Dr. Kumaran Arumugam is globally recognized as one of the best adaptive physical education teachers in the world, 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).
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 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 Bloudering, 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:
- People’s Choice Community Changemaker of the Year (2023) at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards
- Outstanding Contribution to Adaptive Physical Education at the Asian Education Awards
- Excellence in Special Educational Needs Teaching at the Asian Education Awards
- Asia’s Inspiring Icon Award in Sports and Physical Education at the Asia Awards
- Leadership & Dedication in Sports for Children at the Asia Excellence Choice Awards
- Global Recognition Award in Special Education
- International Icon Award (Education) 2024
- Young PE Teacher of the Year 2024 at the Global Business and Education Awards
- Doctor of Education in Adaptive Physical Education (Honoris Causa) by AUBSS
- Asia’s Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 at the Asia Awards
- Asia Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher 2024 at the Iconic Fames Awards
- Asia Best Adaptive Physical Education Teacher (Visual Impairment) 2025 at the Prestigious Fames Awards
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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This is an inspiring story of dedication and innovation in the field of disability sports. Dr. Kumaran Arumugam’s efforts have not only transformed the lives of his students but also set a benchmark for inclusive sports education. The introduction of sports like Blind Handball and adaptive games has opened new avenues for visually impaired students to excel. His commitment to staying directly involved with his students, despite lucrative offers, showcases his genuine passion for their growth. How can the broader education system learn from Dr. Kumaran Arumugam’s approach to create more inclusive environments for students with disabilities?
Dr. Kumaran Arumugam’s dedication to promoting disability sports in Singapore is truly inspiring. His innovative approach, such as creating Blind Handball and adaptive sports, has significantly impacted the lives of visually impaired students. By focusing on empowering students through sports, he has broken stereotypes and provided new opportunities for participation. His commitment to staying directly involved with his students, despite opportunities for higher positions, highlights his genuine passion for teaching. How does Dr. Kumaran Arumugam plan to further expand the reach of adaptive sports in the future?