{
  "id": 17931,
  "title": "Marching towards inclusion: How S’pore’s first contingent of persons with disabilities train for NDP 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/marching-towards-inclusion-how-spores-first-contingent-of-persons",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-01T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/marching-towards-inclusion-how-spores-first-people-with-disabilities-contingent-trains-for-ndp-2026"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Singapore, the first contingent of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is preparing for the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP). Hazel Koh, 35, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and her 11-year-old son, Keith Pah, will be part of the 21-member contingent from the Singapore Disability Sports Council. Led by former para-athlete Yap Qian Yin, the contingent includes individuals with physical, intellectual, and autism-related disabilities. They train at the National Stadium for 12 hours on Saturdays, with measures in place to support their needs.\n\nHazel Koh, a part-time administrator, is proud that her son will be included in the parade, marking progress in inclusion for PWDs. Keith, who wears leg braces, practices marching alongside his grandmother, Tan Kim Choo, who pushes his wheelchair during the parade. Lim Lee Lee, a 58-year-old blind individual, initially struggled with loud noises during rehearsals, but her guide dog Hesta adapted well, helping her navigate the loud environment. Lim, a co-founder of a social enterprise that helps PWDs find employment, expressed gratitude that society is recognizing the contributions PWDs can make.\n\nAniq Syazwi Mohd Fauzi, a 12-year-old student with mild intellectual disability, is also part of the contingent. His mother, Nur Umairah, noted that Aniq practices his marching routine daily to prepare for the parade. Despite initial nervousness, Aniq smiled while accepting an award for being the best participant in his contingent. The diverse group of PWDs will march together via ramps, waving to the 42,000-strong crowd gathered at Kallang Basin on August 9.",
  "summary": "The historic 21-member contingent includes a visually impaired woman with her guide dog.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}