Dr.
Kumaran Arumugam (h.c.) is globally recognized as one of the best adaptive
physical education teachers in the world in 2024 by Iconic Fames Magazine and
was awarded Asia's Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 by both the
Asia awards powered by World Research Congress and the Universal Excellence
Award, Iconic Fames Magazine.
Dr.
Kumaran Arumugam (h.c.)'s passion for sports in special education started when,
during his national service, he met a boy with autism during his unit’s monthly
community engagement program at a children's home. The child who had a passion
for sports but didn’t have anyone who could teach him sports or a place for him
to play sports safely. This inspired Dr. Kumaran to pursue his studies in
sports and physical education at Republic Polytechnic. Upon his completion of
his national service, he was offered an under-23 professional soccer contract,
which he turned down to continue his studies and pursue a career as a physical
education teacher in a special school in Singapore while continuing to play in
the amateur/semi-professional league.
At just 27
years old, he became one of the youngest HODs (PE/CCA) in the CPE (Committee of
Private Education) system in Singapore. Through his leadership, he introduced
programs like Blind Handball, bench soccer, and the Independent Running System,
empowering children with visual impairments to learn, enjoy, and excel in
sports. He is also the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate in Adaptive
Physical Education from the American University of Business and Social
Services.
In the
past two years, Dr. Kumaran's work has significantly enhanced the standards of
physical education for students with sensory and physical disabilities in
Singapore.He has partnered with various sports organizations in Singapore to
create sporting opportunities for students with visual impairments and hearing
loss. In collaboration with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and
the Goalball29 program, he launched training opportunities at Lighthouse School,
preparing visually impaired students for future para games.
This
partnership with organizations like Para Athletics Singapore ensures students
receive professional training and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Collaborating with other organizations such as Para Athletics Singapore and the
Singapore Para Taekwondo Federation, Kumaran has also created pathways for
students with disabilities to compete professionally.
As a
subject lead and PE teacher, Dr. Kumaran developed an independent running system,
enabling visually impaired children to learn correct running techniques
independently using assistive devices or running guides. He also created Blind
Handball, a new sport combining elements of goalball, table football, and
handball, specifically designed for visually impaired students. Dr. Kumaran has
revolutionized other adaptive sports by introducing innovative programs like
long jump for visually impaired students and other field events. One of his
groundbreaking initiatives is bench soccer for the visually impaired, where
students play soccer while remaining seated on a bench, inspired by the concept
of table foosball. This unique approach combines fun, teamwork, and
accessibility, making sports an enjoyable experience for everyone.
In 2024, Dr. Kumaran was globally recognized as one of the best adaptive physical education teachers in the world, celebrated for his ability to teach sports to children with multiple disabilities. Over the last decade, he has received numerous accolades, including:
Coming
from a lower-income family, Dr. Kumaran understands the barriers faced by many
children in accessing sports opportunities. He has worked tirelessly to bridge
these gaps, ensuring financial limitations or disabilities do not hinder
participation or excellence in sports.
An avid
semi-professional soccer player, Dr. Kumaran started playing in Singapore’s
lower leagues with Newton Health in 2011 and currently plays for Yishun
Football Club. His journey as both an educator and a sportsman serves as an
inspiration to younger generations, and he hopes to see more adaptive physical
education teachers in the future. Despite being offered multiple senior
management roles, including vice principal and deputy director positions, he
has chosen to stay at the forefront of working with children with disabilities,
directly empowering them to succeed in sports.
Dr.
Kumaran Arumugam’s journey is rooted in his humble beginnings, which shaped his
belief that every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves a fair
chance to succeed. His vision is not just to teach but to inspire and
empower."
Reflecting on his role as an educator, Dr. Kumaran often says, 'Every educator should earn six students
who will carry their coffin to the grave when their time is up.' These
words reflect his deep commitment to making a lasting impact, not just in
classrooms but in the hearts of those he mentors.Through his dedication, he
dreams of a world where adaptive physical education is the norm, and no child
is left behind. By training more teachers and coaches in adaptive methods, he
hopes to unlock opportunities for children everywhere, creating a brighter and
more inclusive future.
Currently he is working on an adaptive
physical education book and website where there will be numerous lesson plans
of different sports and games for children with different disabilities. Dr.
Kumaran hopes that through this book and website there will be more awareness
on adaptive physical education, and this will ease adaptive PE teachers around
the world with scouring for various resources for their students. Lastly, Dr.
Kumaran would also like to thank the Asia Awards, powered by the World Research
Congress, for awarding him with the award of Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education
Teacher 2024/2025. He hopes this will inspire the next generation of youth to
consider a career in becoming an adaptive PE teacher like him.
Special mention should be given to three
beautiful angels who have been his pillar of support throughout his life: his
amazing mother, Madam Kala Devi; his loving wife , Ms. Rubeni Guna; and lastly,
the love of his life, his daughter, Sheena Kumaran.
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