8th ASEAN Para Games at Singapore - Day 1
by Icarus Sailing Media 8 Dec 2015 08:36 AEDT
7 December 2015
Day 1 of the ASEAN Para Games 2015 © Icarus Sailing Media
Hello and welcome to the magnificent vibrant city of Singapore. In conjunction with celebrating 50 years of independence, for the very first time, the island city-state hosts the 8th ASEAN Para Games. A biennial multi-sport event for athletes with a disability.
3,000 athletes and officials are in the city for the seven-day multi-sport event. Most of the competition venues are at the Singapore Sports Hub and Kallang areas whilst the Para sailing events are held in the iconic Marina Bay.
Para Sailing is open to athletes with any type of physical impairment and the classification system is based on four factors: stability, hand function, mobility and vision. Athletes compete in three events Hansa 2.3 Women, Hansa 2.3 Men and the double handed Hansa 303 wide Open.
Marina Bay is the epitome of "stadium" racing, with it's dramatic backdrop on a stones throw from the racing. The unique shifty conditions will challenge the sailors.
In the Hansa 2.3 Women's class, the local hero, Yap Qian Yin had a clean start, opening her account with 2 bullets. But Cherrie Samonte Pinpin from the Philippines is close behind and well within touching distance of the leader.
The Hansa 2.3 Men's class is highly competitive with all the contenders looking to take the prestigious crown. After 2 races, the leaderboard is tight with only 3 points separating 1st from 3rd. Alson Callos Tumbagahan from Philippines has the lead with Malaysia's Al Mustakim Bin Martin and Azmi Bin Ani, hot on his heels.
In Hansa 303 Wide Open class, Malaysia and Singapore are on equal points after the opening day, so still all to play for with two more day's racing still to come.
Sailing is one of 15 sports at the 8th ASEAN Para Games. The event serves as a platform for enhancing inclusiveness, encouraging people to embrace sports, as well as promoting ASEAN solidarity.
The Games also combines numerous onshore activities with a busy social programs alongside the racing. Sailor or non-sailor there are plenty of shore-side festivities allowing spectators and visitors to soak up the fun holiday atmosphere.