NDP 2026 to feature first-ever persons with disabilities contingent

(From left) NDP parade commander Caleb Chia; NDP parade and ceremony committee chairman Anthony Lau; the Singapore Disability Sports Council’s contingent commander Yap Qian Yin; NTUC contingent member Siti Radziah Zainal Abidin and her son Ari Wafiy Muhammad Mahfudz, who will join the National Cadet Corps (Sea) contingent.

 ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

SINGAPORE – The first-ever contingent comprising entirely of persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be joining the National Day Parade in 2026, in a reflection of Singapore’s growing inclusivity.

Led by former para-athlete Yap Qian Yin, 16 participants from the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) will join a sea of marching civilians at the National Stadium to mark Singapore’s 61st year of independence.

SDSC’s NDP contingent participants will include people with physical disabilities and individuals with autism.

Wheelchair users will use ramps to access the stage, while organisers are trying out the use of guide dogs to assist visually impaired individuals.

Holding areas and quiet rooms at the National Stadium, where NDP 2026 will be held, are also available for those who need a calmer environment, as part of measures to ensure PWD participants are well-supported.

Yap, 35, who won gold for Singapore in parasailing at the 2014 Asian Para Games and 2015 ASEAN Para Games, said the inaugural contingent marks PWDs moving beyond being audience or performance members of the NDP.

“We are able to... participate in the contingent segment, to march together with the rest of the contingents,” said Yap. “(It) really symbolises a purposeful (and) meaningful Singapore, moving forward as an inclusive society.”