disability is not inability

As the ASEAN para games kicked off on 3 December,I volunteered as a motivator to cheer for our athletes.Never did I expect something that was decided in a moment of rash just because of the initial intention to earn my via hours turned out to be something that will warm and break my heart at the same time.

This will be an experience I will never forget. At first,I really felt awkward and weird doing cheers I've never heard before and working with people from other schools that I have never known.Then came the cerebal palsy football match that caught my attention of the true meaning behind the para games.As I looked around the whole stadium,not a single soul could be seen other than the group of us,motivators.As told by the facils,we were there to cheer for them because if we were not there,no one else would be there for them.

BAM,I found meaning in life. Looking at how the athletes tried so damn hard to win something for their country,it really made me want to cry.I used to think that able-bodied athletes were a pro but now,the truly pro one are those who fight so hard for what they love,their country.There were those who lost their limbs or hands or are disabled and they really earned my respect.

Although Singapore may not have clinched any of the top 3 positions but I thought that their performance was remarkable.I shouted and screamed for each and every goal they scored and I don't really care if everyone is staring at me and judging me and how my friends,juniors and seniors asked me to shut up because I really believe that this is the best I can do.If our support is what they need,I can give it all to them.Who cares about my pride.Anyway,that's what motivators are for.I went to the extreme because I felt that it was necessary.

I never regretted my decision to volunteer as a motivator.I don't really care about the via hours now.All I really want is for the athletes to feel important and never give up.I hope me losing my voice now is worth it.Thanks everyone for giving me such a valuable lesson and experience and other brings me back to what Damon said"Disability is NOT an inability."That is what I want to do my whole life,to help others and promote positivity all around.:)