Latest news with #ShalomLimErnRong
Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Forum: Wheelchair-user and companion can watch historic football match with Sailors' help
We would like to thank Forum writer Shalom Lim Ern Rong for his letter 'Make it easier for fans with disabilities to enjoy historic sporting moments' (May 9). We deeply appreciate his input, and at the Sailors, we are committed to ensuring all fans can enjoy football in a safe, inclusive and dignified environment. We understand how crucial the presence of a regular caregiver is for persons with disabilities, and we regret the distress caused by the ticketing limitations in this instance. While the event has experienced unprecedented demand and has reached full capacity, we are happy to accommodate patrons who require special assistance. We have contacted Mr Lim to give him and his companion access to the wheelchair-accessible seating area at Bishan Stadium for our Asian Champions League Two Final against Sharjah FC on May 18, and have also worked out the entry route for them. As a club, we take inclusivity and accessibility seriously, and we will do our best to accommodate exceptional requests that align with these principles where possible. Football is for everyone, and we are committed to serving our fans, who are the spirit and heart of our events. Badri Ghent Sporting Director Lion City Sailors FC More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Forum: Make it easier for fans with disabilities to enjoy historic sporting moments
Forum: Make it easier for fans with disabilities to enjoy historic sporting moments As a lifelong Singapore football fan, I was proud to follow the Lion City Sailors' progression to the final of a prestigious continental competition (Lion City Sailors reach historic Asian Champions League Two final despite 1-0 defeat by Sydney FC, April 16). On learning Singapore would host the final, I eagerly anticipated attending the match at Jalan Besar Stadium. However, Sharjah FC's concerns over the artificial turf prompted a venue shift to Bishan Stadium, regularly used by Lion City Sailors for home matches in the Singapore Premier League. I checked that there was wheelchair access at Bishan Stadium, and requested wheelchair-accessible seating when ticket sales started on May 6. The ticketing agent confirmed that there was a wheelchair bay, but companions are not allowed with wheelchair-users. Instead, they have to buy separate tickets. Because tickets are sold out, I'm unable to attend this historic final. My condition – Duchenne muscular dystrophy – necessitates constant breathing support and round-the-clock caregiving. The agent kindly offered to appeal for an exception to be made for me, but to no avail. I share my experience not to gain sympathy, but in the hope that future sporting events in Singapore can better accommodate fans with medical disabilities like mine. Inclusive seating and allowing companions to sit beside wheelchair-users significantly improve accessibility, empowering all fans to fully participate in national sporting moments. Accessibility must remain vital to Singapore's commitment to fostering an inclusive society. Shalom Lim Ern Rong More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
