Undeterred by visual impairment, Emily Lee turns to sports to make her life ‘colourful’ again

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Emily Lee had loss her vision when she was 28 and was determined to make her life colourful through sports.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Summary

• Visually impaired Emily Lee participated in Singapores first blindfolded climbing competition, Merdeka Monkey, after taking up para-rock climbing in November 2024.
• Her teammate, Christine Toh, acted as a visual guide and was impressed by Lees ability to navigate the wall, highlighting the challenges of blindfolded climbing.
• Monkey Magics founder, Koichiro Kobayashi, aims to promote inclusivity in climbing, noting increased accessibility for disabled individuals now that it is popular.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – Determined not to let her visual impairment stop her from leading an active life, Emily Lee has represented Singapore in goalball and para-cycling, and taken part in races such as the Great Eastern Women’s Run.

The 55-year-old’s latest pursuit is para-rock climbing, having picked up the sport in November 2024. She also signed up for Merdeka Monkey: Beyond Sight, Singapore’s first blindfolded climbing competition, which took place at Outpost Climbing gym at Crawford Lane from Oct 15 to 17.

Organised by Outpost Climbing in partnership with the Singapore Disability Sports Council, local social service agencies and Japanese non-profit group Monkey Magic, the competition saw 10 teams of sighted and visually impaired climbers work together to score points within a time limit.

Lee, who was born with a congenital eye condition that caused weak vision, became completely blind by the age of 28. But that did not deter her from picking up sports.