Dr. Kumaran Arumugam, Ed.D (H.C), is an experienced educator who has worked with children with various disabilities, including sensory, intellectual, and physical disabilities, since 2012. He began his career as a soccer coach and adjunct PE teacher, progressively advancing to Head of Departments in various schools and organizations. At just 27 years old, he became one of the youngest HODs (PE/CCA) in the CPE (Committee of Private Education) system in Singapore. He is also the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate in Adaptive Physical Education from the American University of Business and Social Services.
Dr. Kumaran has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities in sports for children with disabilities and those from lower-income backgrounds. In 2019, he collaborated with a sponsor to secure 200 sports shoes for children from low-income families participating in a sports program he managed. He also secured fully sponsored soccer scholarships for three boys from a children’s home in Singapore, exemplifying his commitment to inclusive opportunities.
In the past two years, Dr. Kumaran 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. Additionally, he worked with Para Athletics Singapore and the Singapore Taekwondo Federation to establish professional training pathways for students outside the school environment.
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 is 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:
- People’s Choice Community Changemaker of the Year 2023 at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards
- Outstanding Contribution to Adaptive Physical Education (Asian Education Awards)
- Excellence in Special Educational Needs Teaching (Asian Education Awards)
- Asia’s Inspiring Icon Award in Sports and Physical Education (Asia Awards)
- Leadership & Dedication in Sports for Children (Asia Excellence Choice Awards)
- Global Recognition Award in Special Education
- International Icon Award (Education) 2024
- Young PE Teacher of the Year 2024 (Global Business and Education Awards)
- Doctor of Education in Adaptive Physical Education (Honoris Causa) by AUBSS
- Asia Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 at the Iconic Fames Awards (Universal Excellence Awards 2024 for Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Award 2024)
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.
Recognizing a Trailblazer in Adaptive Physical Education:
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam’s groundbreaking work in inclusive sports education and his dedication to empowering children with disabilities deserve widespread recognition. His innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to creating equal opportunities in sports inspire educators, students, and communities worldwide. Sharing his journey highlights the transformative power of education and sports in shaping a more inclusive society.
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