Theresa Goh the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, which recognizes outstanding young people who have overcome personal difficulties and contributed to the community.
THERESA GOH, NATIONAL SWIMMER
She has achieved speeds that most ordinary people cannot reach. And her achievements have been impressive enough to win over the judges of the Stars-of-SHINE Award 2008.
Miss Theresa Goh, 21, will be representing Singapore in the upcoming Beijing 2008 Paralympics.Miss Goh has spina bifida, a birth defect which affects her lower limbs. She also has an undeveloped left ear.
'Life is more than having legs, it's will-power that propels me forward,' she said.
'In fact, being on wheels enables me to go faster than walking,' she said with a chuckle. 'Swimming is my life.'
At 15, she broke a world record to to be champion in the 50m breaststroke.
Miss Goh, who thanks her parents and friends for their support, is fiercely independent.
She trains five days a week, and gets around by taking cabs on her own. 'It was not easy, but I learnt to be independent,' she said.
'I hope my achievements can be proof that as long as you give it your all, you can achieve what you want. There will be times that we all feel discouraged. When you get tired, you can rest, but you must stand up and continue to try.'
JOVIN TAN, NATIONAL SAILOR
It wasn't just cerebral palsy, which limited the function of his limbs. He also had to overcome a phobia of the sea. But, in the end, this 22-year-old did become a national sailor.
For Mr Jovin Tan, winning the Youth Inspiration Award has motivated him to train harder for the 2008 Paralympics.
He is aiming to be at least in the top three positions when he competes in Beijing.
'I am happy to win, especially since this is the first time that disabled people have won this award,' said Mr Tan. 'I hope this can show the public that people who are disabled can still lead normal lives and even pursue their dreams.
'I would like to motivate other disabled people or even able-bodied youths to make an effort to overcome whatever challenges they have and know that no obstacle is insurmountable.'
Mr Tan, who takes on the role of skipper, issues commands to his sailing partners during competitions, and plans strategies. He has come a long way since picking up the sport at age 15.
Sailing opened up his world, introducing him to more friends, and made him realise that there is more to the world than the four walls of his home.'Sailing relaxes me and it gave me a social life,' he said. 'I never thought I would one day reach the point of being able to represent our country in the Paralympics.'
