Despite sporadic rain, the spirits of athletes remained high during a celebratory parade following their successful performance at the 2024 Paris Oly
Despite sporadic rain, the spirits of athletes remained high during a celebratory parade following their successful performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The inclement weather did not deter fans from coming out to show their support for Singapore’s Olympic champions.
Dressed in red, enthusiastic crowds gathered at OCBC Square, the parade’s starting point, and formed cheer points along the route, including in Chinatown. Some dedicated fans even positioned themselves on a bridge for a better view of the bus as it passed by. When the rain began to fall, spectators took shelter but remained determined to stay for the celebration.
Athletes in Attendance
The parade featured ten athletes, including swimmer Gan Ching Hwee and sprinter Marc Louis, alongside shuttlers Terry Hee, Jessica Tan, and Yeo Jia Min. Table tennis paddlers Izaac Quek and Zhou Jingyi, kayaker Stephanie Chen, sailor Ryan Lo, and bronze medallist Max Maeder rounded out the group.
Rain on Our Parade
Kicking off at 11:34 am, the parade set off under overcast skies, making its way through the city from the Sports Hub. The athletes, beaming with joy, waved at the media from their open-top bus. The husband-and-wife duo Hee and Tan struck heart-shaped poses, while Maeder joyfully joined in the fun.
Equipped with ponchos, the athletes managed to stay dry amidst the rain while still acknowledging and waving to the fans below. The playful atmosphere included the group taking selfies and enjoying each other’s company.
Singapore Showed Up
Crowds flocked to the streets to cheer for their athletes, regardless of age. Supportive honks from passing cars filled the air as hundreds lined the parade route, brandishing flags and creative signs while chanting phrases like “well done” and “good job.”
What This Parade Means to Them
After the parade, Gan expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the experience, stating, “I think I was very heartened, and it was very heartwarming to see all the Singaporeans rally together to support Team Singapore. It was an experience I will never forget.”
Chen described the event as “pretty fun” and “quite boisterous.” Max Maeder, visibly moved, remarked on the overwhelming turnout and the heartfelt support, adding, “It’s beautiful to see.” He humorously noted that the rain did not dampen their spirits, recalling that it had also rained during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Up Next
Looking ahead, the 2024 Paralympics are set to take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. As of July 6, nine athletes from Singapore are scheduled to compete in five sports: boccia, para archery, para-equestrian, para-swimming, and shooting para-sport.
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