Dr. Kumaran
Arumugam, Ed.D (h.c) is globally recognized as one of the best adaptive physical
education teachers in the world, who has won multiple accolades which include
Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher for 2024 & 2025 from Asia
Awards. He also won the Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher for
Visual Impairment in 2025 by Prestigious Fames Awards.
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam, Ed.D (h.c) alongside other renowned
professionals such as Mr. Jeff from Longview School in Maryland, Nicole McCoy,
an APE teacher in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Brad Weiner, Vice President of
the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with
Disabilities (NCPEID) have made contributions in making sports inclusive for
children with disabilities in the community.
As a Subject Lead (PE/CCA) and an
adaptive physical education teacher for students with visual impairment and
hearing loss at Lighthouse School, Dr. Kumaran Arumugam is actively involved in developing the PE curriculum,
collaborating with various stakeholders to create sporting pathways, and
teaching students daily.
Nurturing Potential Against All Odds
Despite limited budget,
resources, and infrastructure within the school, Dr. Kumaran Arumugam has identified and trained potential youth para-athletes
over the last three years. Many of his students have made it to the national
development squad for different sports, including Track and Field, Para
Taekwondo, and Goalball. A few of his students with hearing loss are set to
participate in their first international competitions, representing Singapore
at the Deaf SEA Games 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In February 2024, Dr. Kumaran Arumugam underwent major knee surgery due
to a fully torn ACL ligament, partially torn LCL ligament, and meniscus damage,
which was expected to keep him away from physical activities for at least six
months. However, by April 2024, he was back on the track, guiding his students
at the National School Para Athletics and National Championship held at Kallang
Practice Track, Singapore, where Lighthouse School won Best Overall Performing
School in the Under-10, Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 categories.
Championing Disability Sports in Singapore
In 2023 and 2024, 11 students
taught by Dr. Kumaran Arumugam received nominations for the Singapore
Disability Sports Awards, alongside national para-athletes. Lighthouse School
became the only SPED school in Singapore to receive this prestigious
nomination, with Marcus Koh winning the People’s Choice Spirit of the Sports
(Male) award in 2024. Under his leadership, the Lighthouse School PE Department
and his non-profit initiative, FittywittySports, were also nominated for
Community Change Maker of the Year (2024), recognizing his significant
contributions to promoting disability sports in Singapore. Additionally, Dr.
Kumaran Arumugam won the People’s Choice Community Changemaker of the Year
(2023) at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards.
Innovative Approaches in Adaptive Physical Education
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam's innovative
spirit led to the creation of Blind Handball, a unique sport that blends
elements of table football, handball, and goalball for students with visual
impairment. He also introduced adaptive versions of Bouldering, Beep Baseball,
Basketball, Volleyball, Floorball, and Dodgeball, breaking stereotypes and
enabling visually impaired students to participate in team sports.
Using simple equipment, he
developed the Independent Movement System, which empowers students with visual
impairment to learn various movement skills and perform fitness exercises
independently.
Dedication Beyond Career Advancements
Despite being offered multiple
senior management roles, including Vice Principal and Deputy Director
positions, Dr. Kumaran Arumugam chose to remain in direct contact with his
students, empowering them through sports. He even declined a Director of
Sports/CCA role at Nobel International School to continue impacting his
students’ lives directly as a teacher.
Creating International Sporting Opportunities
In January 2025, collaborating
with Para Taekwondo National Coach, Mr. Joel, Dr. Kumaran Arumugam enabled 6
students from Lighthouse School to participate in the Waein Cup Open
Championship Singapore 2025, which hosted over 600 athletes from 10 countries. His
students achieved remarkable success, winning 5 Gold and 1 Silver medal at
their first international competition, bringing awareness to Para Taekwondo in
Singapore.
The partnership with the
Singapore Para Taekwondo Federation began in 2023 when Dr. Kumaran Arumugam
connected with Coach Micheal from the Singapore Taekwondo Federation. Since
then, they have worked together to create various sporting pathways for
students with visual impairment and hearing loss to compete in both local and
international Taekwondo events.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam exceptional dedication and contributions have earned him numerous accolades:
A True Advocate for Inclusive Education
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam, Ed.D (h.c.)
remarkable journey as an educator, mentor, and innovator continues to inspire
many. His relentless dedication and pioneering spirit in adaptive physical
education have not only transformed lives but have also paved the way for
inclusive sports education in Singapore.
His passion and commitment make him a true champion of adaptive
physical education, empowering students to break boundaries and achieve their
dreams.
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