Another Marshon Lattimore update makes the Saints look like they knew more than anyone expectedSINGAPORE: Pacing up and down near the Singapore Sports Hub's Water Sports Centre, with brows furrowed and sweat trickling down their faces, they checked their phones every 10 seconds. Then, amid the charged atmosphere of nervousness mixed with excitement, a shout: “One minute and one second ... second place!” The team, dressed in bright turquoise T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Different Dragons", erupted into cheers and hugs as they celebrated their silver medal at the Singapore Regatta Waterfest in November. At this annual dragon boat race, hundreds of competitors - from educational institutions, business organisations and other entities - vie to be the quickest over a 200m distance in the Kallang Basin. For Different Dragons, a second-place finish in the adaptive open category was especially sweet - and perhaps more so for nine members who are paddlers with disabilities of both physical and intellectual nature. “I find it difficult to paddle because of a back problem I’ve had, and it’s also difficult to paddle at the same speed as everyone,” said Jarran Ng, who has Williams syndrome. The genetic condition affects physical features, cognitive development and other parts of the body like the heart. “(But) the team never made me feel like I couldn’t do it and I felt like I belonged." SERIOUS ABOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME At the Singapore Regatta Waterfest, one of the biggest dragon boat contests in the country, teams were heard chanting "in it to win it". Different Dragons, which was founded in 2019, has other goals in mind. “We’re a very chill team, having fun is one of the most important aspects for us,” said Rayson Oon, a volunteer coach since the team started out. This approach should not be mistaken for a lack of focus and determination. They had trained for the November race all year, aiming to prove their abilities matter more than their disabilities - which they ultimately did. Naturally, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. The past few years have been a constant exercise in trial-and-error, patience and positivity, as volunteers sought to find the right ways to teach the sport, even in basics such as holding a paddle. When Tan Cher Hui first signed up with Different Dragons as a volunteer, she struggled to support her twin brother with autism, who had also joined the team as a competitor. Race rules dictate that each paddler with a disability can be accompanied by one able-bodied caregiver or volunteer inside the boat. For instance, her brother couldn't cope with changes to the training schedule caused by rain, and would often have meltdowns. "Because to him, dragon boating happens every Sunday,” said Tan, 26, who added that this was a huge challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when such activities came to a halt. “It took a toll on him and I didn’t know if it was worth carrying on." But the encouragement and perseverance of other volunteers that pushed her to stay on, and the siblings have now reaped the rewards. “I learnt how to interact and engage with people of all different disabilities, and even picked up sign language," she said. "And it was heartwarming to see the other members be welcoming and inclusive with my brother." ANOTHER FAMILY For members of Different Dragons, being part of a team - and one that empathises with each other - was something especially precious. Jimmy Chan, a deaf paddler, told CNA how his condition made it tough in work settings and that he often felt isolated during conversations. "I wanted a space where I would not feel judged or different, and the team offered that," he said. The 53-year-old relies on vibrations from the dragon boat drum beat, along with the strokes of the first paddler seated in front, to sync with the rest of the team. “We share resilience, teamwork and a drive to break barriers. Each step feels like a victory, and our strong bonds make every challenge worthwhile, keeping us going,” Chan said. Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." MOVING DISABILITY SPORTS FORWARD Having an adaptive category in a prestigious dragon boat event like the Regatta Waterfest gives people with disabilities access to the right resources and a level playing field, said Ms Kelly Fan, executive director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council. “Inclusive sports focus on creating platforms where persons with and without disabilities can play together. "The primary goal is to foster firsthand understanding and appreciation of the challenges that individuals with disabilities overcome to participate in sports, while also providing opportunities for meaningful social interaction,” she added. Singapore is set to launch an Enabling Sports Fund next year, which aims to "encourage impactful community-initiated disability sports initiatives.” The government will match dollar for dollar donations made to this fund, which hopes to raise at least S$10 million (US$7.4 million) by 2030. It's part of Singapore's Enabling Masterplan 2030 , a national roadmap for people with disabilities to live and participate more actively in the community. Progress has been made but more needs to be done to continue promoting inclusivity, said Ms Fan, pointing to costs and accessibility as remaining barriers. “It is not just about ramps or lifts within a venue," she said. "It extends to the awareness that sport opportunities exist for persons with disabilities; the affordability of sport involvement on top of enhanced costs of living of a (person with disability); the proximity and accessibility of an accessible venue; and the readiness of a venue to cater to disability sports.” Members of Different Dragons, meanwhile, are happy to continue playing their part in not just raising awareness, but sending out a more profound message - that paddlers with disabilities can be capable of anything, said Lu, the volunteer coach. “The perception many have is that members with disabilities can’t paddle as well as able-bodied individuals, but that’s not true,” said Oon, the other coach. Paddler Lee Wei Kiong, who has an intellectual disability, told CNA how the team has inspired him to work hard and keep practising. “I never thought we could beat other teams, but our process is getting better,” he said, while standing next to a trolley filled with bottled drinks he lugged from home to give out to his teammates. “When I was younger, people used to say that I have a low IQ (intelligent quotient) and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. But I learnt that whatever others can do, I can do too." "Normal people can dragon boat, so can I.”

China Sanctions US Companies, Executives Over Arms Sale to Taiwan

The Philadelphia Eagles appeared to leave last Thursday night’s game against the Washington Commanders without any major injury setbacks, a major plus for a team entering a 10-day break between games. Some red flags were raised this week, however, when wide receiver DeVonta Smith was unable to practice through what has been a weeks-long hamstring issue. The Los Angeles Rams , Philly’s opponent this week on Sunday Night Football, are about as healthy as they’ve been all season. Star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have avoided the injury report entirely since Week 9, after both players missed time during the team’s 1-4 start to the season. MORE: NFL picks, score predictions for Week 12: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Who’s in and who’s out for this key Week 12 NFC matchup? Here’s a full team-by-team injury breakdown, with the latest updates off of Friday’s practice reports: Vikings vs. Titans: Full injury designations Los Angeles Rams DB Charles Woods (ankle) Woods, an undrafted rookie out of SMU, was unable to practice this week and hasn’t played since injuring his ankle during pregame warmups in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins . He had earned himself a special teams role prior to the injury. He’s played just 13 total snaps on defense this season as a reserve cornerback. OL KT Leveston (ankle) The Rams opened Leveston’s 21-day practice window this week, but he’ll remain on injured reserve despite logging three full practices. The seventh-round rookie’s potential NFL debut will have to wait at least another week. OT Rob Havenstein (ankle) Havenstein appears poised to miss his third consecutive game, as he was unable to ramp up to a full practice this week and drew the doubtful tag. Warren McClendon Jr. got the start at right tackle and held up well last week in the win over the New England Patriots . He’s expected to get the nod again over Joe Noteboom. Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) This is a major blow to Philly’s passing game, and an unexpected one coming off the mini bye week. Smith has been dealing with a hamstring issue for weeks, but it was yet to impact his playing time. He was unable to practice at all this week, though, signifying a setback with the injury. Smith’s absence should mean expanded roles for Jahan Dotson and rookies Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson on Sunday night against the Rams. MORE: Eagles urged to unleash pair of rookie playmakers on offense WR Britain Covey (shoulder) The Eagles opened Covey’s 21-day practice window this week, and he was able to log three full practices. His return could be well timed with Smith already ruled out for the game. Covey was Philly’s top punt returner and caught seven passes for 34 yards over the first three games of the season. He landed on IR after taking a hard hit to the shoulder against New Orleans on Sept. 22. MORE: CBS football writer makes bold prediction for Rams vs. Eagles

Chennai, Nov 24 (PTI) The AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Sunday celebrated the birth centenary of former Chief Minister Janaki Ramachandran, wife of late party founder M G Ramachandran, here. Janaki was the first woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu, who headed the state briefly in January 1988 after the death of her husband and then CM Ramachandran, popularly addressed as MGR. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami led the celebrations at a marriage hall in the city. Besides Palaniswami, scores of leaders and celebrities, including actor Rajinikanth and DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant paid rich tributes to the late Janaki. Palaniswami and Rajinikanth hailed Janaki for her efforts in uniting the party, which suffered a split post MGR's death in December 1987. A yesteryear actor, Janaki Ramachandran was sworn-in as CM of the state following MGR's death, even as the party had split into two factions. The respective factions were headed by Janaki and late CM J Jayalalithaa. However, in 1989, she buried her differences with Jayalalithaa and handed over the AIADMK's leadership to her. Recalling this episode, Rajinkanth in a video message played out at the venue said Janaki told Jayalalithaa that she was the one capable of taking forward the AIADMK and handed over the party to her and later kept away from politics. In his address, Palaniswami recalled the life and times of Janaki, pointing out that she had paired opposite Ramachandran in films including 'Marutha Nattu Ilavarasi.' She stood by her husband through different phases of life, including when he was shot at and injured by late actor M R Radha. The building housing the AIADMK headquarters, 'MGR Maaligai,' was donated by Janaki, he said. Though the party split after Ramachandran's death, and its popular Two Leaves symbol frozen, Janaki later reached out to Jayalalithaa, he said. "Janaki knew to whom the party should be handed over and did it accordingly and Amma (Jayalalithaa) had the capability," to lead the AIADMK, the former CM said. Stressing on the importance of the Two Leaves symbol, he said while the party suffered electoral failure post the split in its absence, it, however, bounced back with two by-poll wins later, after securing it even while being in the opposition. He said both MGR and Jayalalithaa faced many challenges from the then ruling DMK in leading the party but later took the AIADMK to ruling saddle with "massive public support," and that the party has cumulatively ruled Tamil Nadu for 31 years. Referring to the criticism about party's recent electoral defeats, he asked if the DMK did not go through a similar phase in 10 years, referring to the 2011-21 period when the AIADMK was in power. In fact, DMK had won only two seats in 1991 but came to power five years later, he pointed out. Palaniswami exuded confidence his party will emerge victorious in the next general elections, due in 2026 and urged his party workers to take forward the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa and do effective public service. Taking a dig at the ruling DMK, Palaniswami, the Leader of Opposition, dubbed it as a "family party." "It is (M) Karunanidhi's family party. Only that family members can become party chief and come to power. But in AIADMK, whoever works hard, is loyal to the party, any such person can become general secretary, MLA, minister and even chief minister," he said. He also asserted no effort to break the AIADMK will fructify. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)