ASEAN Para Games 2015 Blog

Teddy's story
Teddy Wong, Resource Management Executive & Team Singapore badminton player

One major lesson that sports has taught me is that it is never too late to try something new. I picked up badminton late in life, driven by the simple thought that badminton is likely a sport I can do well in even with Erb’s Palsy, a condition which limits the movement of my right arm (I play left-handed). I did not expect that one day, I will be representing Singapore in major competitions and games!

I always had a passion for badminton as I was growing up but I did not get the chance to play it as a kid because I was often made fun of in school, which resulted in me developing a low self-esteem and a very pessimistic view of the world.

Through it all, my mother would comfort me with these prophetic words – “Move on. You’ll find something you are good at.” I was 26 years old when I found it in badminton. It was not easy to take up a new sport at the age of 26, particularly when I had to start at the beginning in a class with children as young as eight years old. But my passion outweighed the difficulties, and I was determined to get better. With that spirit, I never looked back!

My first introduction to competitive para badminton was by a Malaysian badminton player. He spotted me during one of my training sessions and invited me to participate in a para badminton competition in Kuantan. It was an eye opening experience for me as I witnessed, for the first time, someone who was in worse physical condition than I am doing very well on court. This “never give up” mentality of the players at that competition inspired me to power up my game and aim high.

Fast forward to this year, I found myself selected to be part of the Team Singapore contingent at the 8th ASEAN Para Games. This ASEAN Para Games was my first major tournament, and I am honoured to have had the chance to represent Singapore on home ground. I trained harder than ever before and played my heart out on the courts, spurred on by the cheers of my family, my friends and my Deloitte colleagues, all of whom have contributed to making me the proud sportsman I am today.

To me, playing sports has made me a better person; it has given me the fulfilment in life and built my circle of friends. I am very fortunate to have a wife and daughter who are always behind me, and an employer that sees the true value of sports and supports myself and my fellow Deloitte athletes as we pursue our dreams.

The week of the ASEAN Para Games went by in a flash, and while I did not win any medals, this is not the end of the road for me. There will always be a next time where I will be back stronger and more determined.

My journey is just beginning and I am more than willing to see how far I can go as I chase this dream. Here’s my advice to aspiring sportsmen, and even to those who are afraid to take that step to try something new – give your dreams a chance and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.

Thank you for believing in me.

Teddy