Press release – Desmond Tong – award of IC2A Inspirational Medal
PRESS RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF AMPUTEE ASSOCIATIONS (IC2A)
JAPAN – 5th October 2019
We are delighted to announce that Desmond Tong today delivered our second IC2A Inspirational Lecture at the opening ceremony of the World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics in Kobe, Japan on Saturday 5th October 2019. The lecture was entitled ‘Stronger’. After the lecture he was presented with the IC2A Inspirational Medal by the President of IC2A, Dr Nils-Odd Tønnevold.
Desmond Tong, Transtibial Amputee, Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist and Para-Athlete
Desmond was an active sportsman before a motorcycle accident in 1999 led to seven surgeries and a below the knee amputation. At age 22 the traumatic experience led him to feel helpless, experience feelings of depression and even suicide, as he lost freedom and mobility. Desmond gained strength from his religion, family and friends in his journey of rehabilitation. He worked for eight years before receiving a scholarship and completing a university degree in prosthetics and orthotics. Despite setbacks, he became a Senior Prosthetist/Orthotist and is now a Business Development Manager for a leading manufacturer and supplier of prosthetic limbs.
Desmond’s love of sport has not changed since his amputation. In 2014 he participated in the ASEAN Para games in Myanmar representing Singapore in the 100m sprint event as well as the discus. In 2015 he trained in archery to participate in ASEAN Para games in Singapore.
In 2017 Desmond was awarded an ‘Honourable Mention’ the highest accolade conferred at Healthcare Humanity Awards (HHA) annual ceremony in Singapore. Today, Desmond is happily married with three small children in another phase of his life. Desmond’s story is inspirational and IC2A is proud to award him its second Inspirational Medal.
About the International Confederation of Amputee Associations: IC2A is an international alliance of amputee associations. Together, we amplify the user’s voice. Our Vision is to inspire improvement in the quality of life of amputees and individuals born with limb deficiency. Our Mission is to help national amputee associations to share knowledge and best-practices at the international level. Our Aims are to share experiences, knowledge and best practice about amputee health and wellbeing. Website: www.ic2a.eu. Contact Sandra Sexton secretariat@ic2a.eu.
About the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics: ISPO is a global multidisciplinary nongovernmental organization aiming to improve the quality of life for persons who may benefit from prosthetic, orthotic, mobility and assistive devices. Its members are prosthetists and orthotists, prosthetic and orthotic technicians, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthopaedic shoemakers, nurses and biomechanical/rehabilitation engineers. ISPO World Congress 2019 website: www.ispo-congress.com