Competitors and volunteers pose for a group photo. Photo: Sport Singapore

The National Inclusive Swimming Championships (NISC) was held on Saturday at the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. This year’s event marks the seventh year of sponsorship by the SPH Foundation and saw 235 persons with disabilities take to the pool at a competitive level.

“It’s where I begin my competitive journey and I’m very happy that they’ve come to ask me to be the guest of honour,” said Team Singapore's Paralympic Bronze Medallist Theresa Goh.

“I enjoy coming here because I like to see the young swimmers and how they begin their journey in (competitive) swimming,” she continued.

Team Singapore swimmer Theresa Goh (second from left) poses with medal winners. Photo: Sport Singapore

Organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), this year’s competition also marks a change in the name of the competition from National Para Swimming Championships to its current iteration.

Team Singapore Cerebral Palsy Football player Jeremiah Tan credits swimming for keeping him competitive as he recovers from an injury.

Team Singapore CP footballer Jeremiah Tan in action. Photo: Sport Singapore

“It was kind of a last minute decision to come back to swimming and I think I did pretty well for my first time (swimming competitively). I want to keep myself competitive and be ready when the APG (ASEAN Para Games) comes,” he said.

Deaf Swimmer Tan Jian Hao was impressed with the competition and said: “I see many people here with different disabilities coming here for this competition where it’s a very inclusive environment.”

When asked about his plans for the future, he said with a smile: “I hope to win a medal for Singapore in an overseas competition.”