Latest news with #WorldParaSwimmingChampionships
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian swimmer Aurelie Rivard to skip para world championship to focus on studies
VICTORIA - Canada's Aurelie Rivard has withdrawn from selection for the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in order to focus on her studies. The 29-year-old native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., said she remains passionate about the sport but wants to focus on earning her law degree at Laval University. 'I've always put swimming first,' Rivard said Sunday in a statement. 'I took sabbatical sessions and built my life around this sport.' 'But at this point, with just under a year to go in law school and the goal of graduating in April 2026, I didn't want to put off again.' Rivard has won six gold medals at the Paralympics since making her debut in 2012. 'I'm still training and I'm still enjoying the process,' Rivard said. 'LA 2028 is still in the back of my mind. This is my fifth cycle, and I want to approach it slowly and thoughtfully, without burning out. I was excited about the worlds, but this time it didn't fit into my schedule.' Rivard was scheduled to compete at the Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria on Monday and Tuesday. Singapore will host the Sept. 21-27 world championship. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian swimmer Aurelie Rivard to skip para world championship to focus on studies
VICTORIA – Canada's Aurelie Rivard has withdrawn from selection for the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in order to focus on her studies. The 29-year-old native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., said she remains passionate about the sport but wants to focus on earning her law degree at Laval University. 'I've always put swimming first,' Rivard said Sunday in a statement. 'I took sabbatical sessions and built my life around this sport.' 'But at this point, with just under a year to go in law school and the goal of graduating in April 2026, I didn't want to put off again.' Rivard has won six gold medals at the Paralympics since making her debut in 2012. 'I'm still training and I'm still enjoying the process,' Rivard said. 'LA 2028 is still in the back of my mind. This is my fifth cycle, and I want to approach it slowly and thoughtfully, without burning out. I was excited about the worlds, but this time it didn't fit into my schedule.' Rivard was scheduled to compete at the Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria on Monday and Tuesday. Singapore will host the Sept. 21-27 world championship. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025.
New Paper
25-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Boy, 5, discovers love for sport, thanks to therapy for neuromuscular disorder
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 - a genetic condition that affects nerves and muscles. From initially feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Devdan's family were handed a lifeline just before his second birthday: 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 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 former Paralympic bronze medallist Theresa Goh, former 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 David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. It was 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 championships 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 the Republic's athletes. Mr Neo 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 nurture a more caring, cohesive and confident Singapore."
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
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. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
90% disability, 900% determination: Kerala para-swimmer redefines 'ability', one stroke at a time
Muhammed Aasim has just returned to his hometown, Velimanna in Kozhikode, after making waves at the recently concluded World Para Swimming Series in Paris. His voice brims with excitement as he relives his remarkable feat in the 50m and 100m freestyle, and the 50m backstroke. Aasim has become a source of pride for Kerala by qualifying for the World Para Swimming Championships, to be held in Singapore from September 21 to 27. Hold on, his achievements go far beyond the pool. He was born without both arms. His right leg is stunted. With 90 per cent physical disability, the 19-year-old has never let his challenges define him. Instead, he has rewritten the meaning of 'ability'. Aasim is the first Indian para swimmer to be ranked internationally in the S2 category ('no hand or wrist flexion'). Currently, he ranks 10th globally. Picked by the Paralympic Committee of India, a 12-member team — including eight swimmers, coach Sanjay Bisht, and physio Dr Ashkar Ali Kelath — participated in the Paris series. Making it wasn't easy. Aasim needed Rs 7 lakh. It was out of reach for him. He is the eldest of seven siblings, and the family's sole breadwinner — the only income is what Aasim earns through local competitions and events like inaugurations. 'I sought help via social media. Several sponsors came forward, and that's how my dream became a reality,' he says. With just a few months left for the world championship, and under the guidance of coach Sreekanth Mavur, Asim is now training at the Blue Bucks Swimming Centre in Kozhikode. His dream is to win a medal for India.
