Boy, 5, discovers love for sport, thanks to therapy for neuromuscular disorder
Devdan Devaraj, who has Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, and his mother See Shu Wen at the launch of SG60 SwimTogether Singapore on May 24. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
SINGAPORE – Exercising two to four times a week has become part of Devdan Devaraj's routine, with the five-year-old taking part in sports such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and table tennis.
But a few years ago, his mother, See Shu Wen, never imagined her son would be able to lead such an active lifestyle.
When he was just several months old, Devdan was diagnosed with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – a genetic condition that affects nerves and muscles.
From initially feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Devdan's family was handed a lifeline just before his second birthday when a nationwide crowdfunding campaign raised the $2.9 million needed for him to receive Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy treatment for children with this condition.
See, 36, said: 'It (Zolgensma) definitely has given him a lot more independence. Previously, he couldn't stand or bear weight on his legs and today, he can walk a few steps independently and with support, he can walk a long way.
'Just by walking, it's a huge step because the doctor's diagnosis was that he would never walk. Him being so active and enjoying his life, it's a bonus for us.'
Devdan, a Kindergarten 2 pupil, fell in love with sports about two years ago, when his parents sought alternative ways for him to stay active beyond physiotherapy.
He first picked up swimming and later took up power soccer – a modified version of football played by power wheelchair users – along with wheelchair rugby and table tennis, which Devdan said he enjoys as they allow him to stay active and make friends.
On May 24, he was among 60 individuals who collectively completed a 100-lap commemorative swim at Delta Swimming Complex to launch SG60 SwimTogether Singapore, an initiative by the Singapore Disability Sports Council to encourage Singaporeans of all abilities to swim together and use the sport to uplift lives.
The participating swimmers included Paralympic bronze medallist Theresa Goh, Olympian Mark Chay, national para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei and multiple SEA Games swimming champion Amanda Lim.
The swim was flagged off by guest-of-honour Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
It was held as part of a 100-day countdown celebration to the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships, with Toyota Motor Asia also unveiled on May 24 as the event's headline sponsor.
Staged in Asia for the first time, the world para championships will welcome over 600 participants from more than 60 countries and territories.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (left) greeting para-swimmer Raelynn Foo, 10, at the 100-day countdown celebration to the World Para Swimming Championships.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
See, a designer, said participating in this commemorative swim is good exposure for Devdan. She added: 'He's quite a shy kid and I want him to be more confident and meeting people with different disabilities will help him learn more, that they're able to do much more. And also, we want continued support for inclusion.'
Wong, an Asean Para Games gold medallist, is hoping to make his third world championship appearance alongside compatriots Yip Pin Xiu, Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon, all of whom have qualified for the meet.
The 22-year-old, who is visually impaired, has several competitions lined up before the qualifying window closes in July.
Recalling the home crowd at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore in 2024, the National University of Singapore undergraduate said: 'For almost every Singaporean athlete, being able to compete at an international-level competition that is hosted in our backyard is one of the biggest privileges we can experience.
'It would be a real honour to be able to participate on home ground, witnessing the support that Singaporeans have for us.'
National para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei is hoping to qualify for the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Making his first public appearance in his new role since Singapore's new cabinet was unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 21, Mr Neo was heartened to see people coming together to promote an inclusive and active society.
With about 100 days to the world para championships, the political newcomer also urged Singaporeans to show their support for Singapore's athletes.
He added: 'Having just taken over, I will prioritise my time together with stakeholders and partners from sports, community, arts and youth groups, so that I can listen to them, hear from them, and see how MCCY can really partner them to make sure a more caring, cohesive, and confident Singapore.'
Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing.
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