Jeralyn and Yurnita with the iconic Suzy Doll Donation Box. Photo Credit: CPAS
Meet Jeralyn Tan, a CPAS Connect alumni member and more recently, Singapore’s first ever Paralympic Boccia Silver medalist in the Women’s Individual BC1 category.
Jeralyn was diagnosed at birth with Cerebral Palsy (CP) due to abnormal brain development. She faces challenges with muscle control and coordination, affecting many areas of her activities of daily living.
Despite this, through the unwavering support of her family, CPAS, and her dedicated coach, Yurnita Omar, she has achieved remarkable successes.
Jeralyn Tan and Yurnita Omar at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where Jeralyn won Singapore’s first medal in Boccia at the Paralympics. Photo Credit: SNPC / Dyan Tjhia, Goh Si Wei
Jeralyn’s journey with CPAS began in 2002, where she received specialised care to enhance her mobility and motor skills. At CPAS, she found a holistic support system that encouraged her to explore various activities, including boccia, a precision ball sport, played by persons with physical disabilities. Jeralyn very quickly developed an interest and passion for the parasport.
Her coach, Yurnita, has been by her side since 2016, adapting training methods to Jeralyn’s unique needs and providing crucial guidance. Together, they have competed internationally, strengthening their bond and setting the stage for the demands of the Paralympics.
With over a decade of experience, Yurnita has worked across CPAS’ Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC), CPAS School (East), and now leads the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme, where she continues to support Jeralyn’s growth and development.
Reflecting on her early days at CPAS, Yurnita shared, “I must admit, when I first joined CPAS, I had doubts about what our clients could achieve given their challenges. But they constantly surprised me, showing me their strength and potential.”
Through the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme, Jeralyn continues to expand her skills and connections. Beyond boccia, she has developed digital art skills, participates in outings, and stays connected with friends. She even applies her skills to design and sell merchandise, both for personal income and to fundraise for CPAS. Balancing her time between boccia training and alumni programme activities, Jeralyn also shares her story with schools and organisations, raising awareness about both boccia and CP.
Jeralyn at a Digital Arts workshop as part of the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme. Photo Credit: CPAS
Jeralyn’s silver medal is a triumph not only for her but also for Singapore, showcasing the incredible potential of individuals with CP when they have dedicated support. Jeralyn is a clear embodiment of CPAS’ vision of empowering persons with cerebral palsy or multiple disabilities to realise their full potential and lead fulfilled, dignified lives.
We wish Jeralyn and Yurnita, continued sporting success in the near future.
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This is a special story feature launched as part of CPAS’ World Cerebral Palsy Month, raising awareness of Cerebral Palsy.
Jeralyn and Yurnita are further supporting the advocacy and fundraising efforts of CPAS. To help make a difference in the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy, consider contributing to their Spare Your Change For Suzy 2024 campaign: https://www.deeda.care/sg/f/campaign-detail/SG-6650d322-af89-4bd6-9bee-6e07218d577f?channel=backstage_foundation
Meet Jeralyn Tan, a CPAS Connect alumni member and more recently, Singapore’s first ever Paralympic Boccia Silver medalist in the Women’s Individual BC1 category.
Jeralyn was diagnosed at birth with Cerebral Palsy (CP) due to abnormal brain development. She faces challenges with muscle control and coordination, affecting many areas of her activities of daily living.
Despite this, through the unwavering support of her family, CPAS, and her dedicated coach, Yurnita Omar, she has achieved remarkable successes.
Jeralyn Tan and Yurnita Omar at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where Jeralyn won Singapore’s first medal in Boccia at the Paralympics. Photo Credit: SNPC / Dyan Tjhia, Goh Si Wei
Jeralyn’s journey with CPAS began in 2002, where she received specialised care to enhance her mobility and motor skills. At CPAS, she found a holistic support system that encouraged her to explore various activities, including boccia, a precision ball sport, played by persons with physical disabilities. Jeralyn very quickly developed an interest and passion for the parasport.
Her coach, Yurnita, has been by her side since 2016, adapting training methods to Jeralyn’s unique needs and providing crucial guidance. Together, they have competed internationally, strengthening their bond and setting the stage for the demands of the Paralympics.
With over a decade of experience, Yurnita has worked across CPAS’ Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC), CPAS School (East), and now leads the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme, where she continues to support Jeralyn’s growth and development.
Reflecting on her early days at CPAS, Yurnita shared, “I must admit, when I first joined CPAS, I had doubts about what our clients could achieve given their challenges. But they constantly surprised me, showing me their strength and potential.”
Through the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme, Jeralyn continues to expand her skills and connections. Beyond boccia, she has developed digital art skills, participates in outings, and stays connected with friends. She even applies her skills to design and sell merchandise, both for personal income and to fundraise for CPAS. Balancing her time between boccia training and alumni programme activities, Jeralyn also shares her story with schools and organisations, raising awareness about both boccia and CP.
Jeralyn at a Digital Arts workshop as part of the CPAS Connect Alumni Programme. Photo Credit: CPAS
Jeralyn’s silver medal is a triumph not only for her but also for Singapore, showcasing the incredible potential of individuals with CP when they have dedicated support. Jeralyn is a clear embodiment of CPAS’ vision of empowering persons with cerebral palsy or multiple disabilities to realise their full potential and lead fulfilled, dignified lives.
We wish Jeralyn and Yurnita, continued sporting success in the near future.
--
This is a special story feature launched as part of CPAS’ World Cerebral Palsy Month, raising awareness of Cerebral Palsy.
Jeralyn and Yurnita are further supporting the advocacy and fundraising efforts of CPAS. To help make a difference in the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy, consider contributing to their Spare Your Change For Suzy 2024 campaign: https://www.deeda.care/sg/f/campaign-detail/SG-6650d322-af89-4bd6-9bee-6e07218d577f?channel=backstage_foundation