2016 Rio Paralympics - Swimming - Women's 50m Backstroke - S2 - Finals - Aquatic Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 15/09/2016. Singapore's Yip Pin Xiu celebrates winning the gold medal TSRIO2016 REUTERS/Jason O'Brien FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) introduces current world record holder and Paralympic gold medalist Ms Yip Pin Xiu as an ‘Athlete Mentor’. This new role, created through consultations between SNPC and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), seeks to help junior and developmental athletes benefit from the experience and knowledge of senior athletes who have excelled at high levels of competition and demonstrated keen interest to contribute back to the disability sports community.

The move is in line with SDSC’s plans for athletes to be empowered to play leading roles not only in their sports, but also the society at large. Through such initiatives, SDSC hopes to help more persons with disabilities benefit from the impact of sports, and the general public to understand the abilities and qualities of our national athletes.

As an Athlete Mentor, Pin Xiu will be embarking on visits to gather feedback from athletes who are training to qualify for the upcoming 9th ASEAN Para Games, and to share her training and games experience with them. She will also be working closely with SNPC and SDSC to ensure that athletes’ interests are addressed in games preparations. The role is also intended as part of training for Pin Xiu’s future leadership endeavors. Pin Xiu has also been appointed the Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG), which will be held in Dubai from 10 to 14 December 2017. She will be the youngest appointed CDM for Singapore.

The 9th ASEAN Para Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 17 to 23 September. Athletes who wish to qualify for the Games can now access the Nomination Policy, available on SDSC’s website (www.sdsc.org.sg). The policy outlines the process and criteria for athletes to be considered by SDSC for nomination to SNPC.

Building on the foundation of the 8th ASEAN Para Games which was held in Singapore, SNPC hopes to send a strong and sizable contingent to the games in Kuala Lumpur. The Singapore edition of the para games saw more athletes coming forward to participate in sports. Likewise, they are now vying to once again don the national colours and represent Singapore.

Quote: Yip Pin Xiu, “I’m excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to mentor the team. I hope to share my knowledge through the lessons I learnt from the past 13 years of competitive swimming and rally excitement towards the games”.