For more than 27 years, Tham Kar Soon has been a cornerstone of Special Olympics Singapore (SOSG), where his passion for bocce has carried him from local practice courts to the global stage.
Kar Soon’s bocce journey began when he was 16, introduced to the sport by a teacher who saw potential in him. What started as a new activity quickly became a lifelong calling. “They always advise and encourage me to do my best,” he recalls. “Just always remember the Athlete’s Oath: Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” That mantra has guided him through life’s challenges, both on and off the court.
Orphaned at a young age, Kar Soon learned independence early. Life tested him further with multiple hand surgeries that took him away from bocce for months at a time. Yet even through the hardest recoveries, he found strength in the encouragement of his coaches and teammates. Their support kept him grounded, and in turn, his perseverance inspired those around him.
Today, Kar Soon is still recognized by his trademark smile, an expression of the joy he brings to everything he does. At McDonald’s, he worked his way up to team leader, earning respect through patience and dedication. At home, he lives independently, a powerful symbol of his resilience and self-belief.
His athletic courage brought him all the way to Berlin in 2023, where he proudly represented Singapore at the Special Olympics World Summer Games. “My proudest moment was when I represented Singapore in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin,” he says. Competing on the world stage was a dream realized, but for Kar Soon, celebrating bocce goes beyond medals.
As an athlete leader, he now mentors younger athletes and has represented SOSG in community outreach programs. “I feel happy and satisfied that I can help other athletes to play the game together,” he says. His greatest joy comes from seeing others find their own voices through sport, just as he did years ago.
One such moment of pride was when he taught Prime Minister Lawrence Wong how to play Bocce during a community event. “At first, I was a little bit nervous,” he admits. “But now I feel proud that I taught PM Lawrence Wong how to play bocce.”
More recently, Kar Soon showcased bocce at the Istana Open House, where he played alongside the President of Singapore, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and his wife. “I was nervous meeting President Tharman, and there were so many people watching us play,” he recalls. “President Tharman is a very good sportsman, he even beat me in our match! I felt very happy to have the privilege to compete against him.”
As he volunteered at the Istana, teaching bocce to the public, Kar Soon was reminded of the meaning behind his journey: “I learned to be more patient and teach people who don't know how to play bocce. It was fun to see so many people enjoy the game.”
Driven by kindness and fueled by quiet leadership, Kar Soon lives the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath every day: spreading joy, having courage, and inspiring others. His story is a message of hope to families just beginning their Special Olympics journey, “Dear parents, don’t be afraid to let your children try sports just because they are intellectually disabled. Encourage, support, and motivate them. Who knows, they may be talented. So why stop them from showing their skills, enjoying the game, and meeting more friends in the community.”
