THE MORE THE MERRIER: YIP

Paralympic swim champ reaps $1m, boccia's Tan bags $300k; coaches also rewarded

- Melvyn Teoh

Singapore para-athletes Yip Pin Xiu and Jeralyn Tan were not the only big winners at the Athletes Achievement Awards (AAA) and Appreciation Ceremony on Oct 15, with their coaches also rewarded for their dedication in a first for disability sport.

The duo received $1.3 million from the award scheme for their achievements at the Paris Paralympics, with swimmer Yip banking in $1 million for her two gold medals in the 50m and 100m backstroke S2. The Republic's fourth and latest Paralympic medallist, boccia athlete Tan, who clinched a silver in Paris, received $300,000.

Yip and Tan's respective coaches, Mick Massey and Yurnita Omar, will receive $50,000 and $15,000.

Yip, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a condition which leads to a progressive weakening of the muscles, said: "Another award, but the more the merrier!

"All this money is also to help me to get the best kind of team in my next campaign. Of course, Sport Singapore does provide support in terms of sports science and medical services, but also sometimes we need a bit more."

Games debutante Tan added: "This is the first time I'm receiving this award, it's really great and I want to save it for my future."