05/09/2012
This year, Splashdown 2012 is raising funds for Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), an organisation which sponsors local disabled athletes in training and competitions both in Singapore and around the world, such as the Paralympics at London this month. Splashdown 2012 hopes to raise a target of $5000 through donations and pledges, in supporting our athletes in their training, which may be difficult due to individuals' disability. We are sourcing sponsors for our goal, and if you will like to donate, you can contact us for more details through our page or email.
While cheering on our athletes, we caught up with Alvina, an athlete with the Handcycling Association of Singapore (HAS). Her disability has not stopped her from enjoying sports and endurance activities. The bubbly girl and self-professed adrenaline ju**ie has taken in challenges such as the National Runway Cycling & Skating 2012 - 45km Endurance Challenge and the 2012 RACE Against Cancer - 15km Handcycling. We asked Alvina about her experience in the swimming marathon last year.
Q: Alvina, how did you find out about Splashdown 2011?
A: I found out about Splashdown 2011 by chance when I was browsing through a friend's Facebook wall and decided to google more about it.
Q: How was your experience last year?
A: My experience with Splashdown 2011 was awesome! I haven't stepped into a pool for 10 years prior to finding out about Splashdown 2011. It was also my first time taking part in such an endurance event. The in-charge, Weiqing, made exceptions for me and also made special arrangements such as allocating a wider swim lane and a volunteer (Tracy) to assist me with getting me drinks for hydration and the gifts redemption. Given that it was the first time NUS Splashdown ever had a physically challenged person participate in the event, it was a challenge for them to plan it out to accommodate me. It was good to know that despite having never worked with a physically challenged person, they've agreed to make exceptions such as allowing me to use a pull buoy and assisting me in any way possible. The main thing about it all was allowing the disabled community to be included in this event. It is the first step to integrating the disabled community with the able-bodied community in terms of sports.
Q: What motivated you to finish?
A: I wanted to try anything and everything within my means that I never even dared to dream of in the past. I see it as a personal achievement to complete the 100 laps under 2.5 hours. I've trained hard for this and I knew that I could complete 100 laps, just unsure whether I could meet the cut-off time of 3 hours. I guess adrenaline does play a part in pushing me to go faster. Knowing how far I can push myself and how much I can achieve despite my circumstances motivated me to finish the race. Training in handcycling has built up my determination and perserverance as well, which I apply to all that I do, including this.
Q: What advice you could give to the participants in Splashdown 2012?
A: My advice would be to keep pressing on and never give up! Believe in yourself that anything is possible so long as you take the first step to try.
Wow, great advice Alvina! These are wise words, which we can apply to other areas in our lives too. We wish you all the best in your endeavors, and to all Splashdown participants, see you this sat!
