SINGAPORE — Former Wales Under-20 rugby star Owen Williams can never forget Singapore. Not for good reasons though, more for bad. For this is where his life changed forever.

On the fateful day of June 22, 2014, the talented centre fell on his head while playing for the Cardiff Blues in the third-place play-off against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the inaugural Rugby World Club 10s — the first sporting event held at the Singapore Sports Hub’s 55,000-capacity National Stadium. He suffered a major spinal injury that caused him to be paralysed from the neck down.

Fast forward 20 months and Williams has returned to Singapore, this time in a wheelchair. He only recently regained some movement in his upper body.

Laboriously wheeling himself into the lounge at the Conrad Hotel to meet TODAY, Williams cut a very different figure from the strapping young man who thrilled 11,000 rugby fans with his pace and skills at the National Stadium two years ago.

Accompanied by his elder brother, Gavin, the siblings are in Singapore for a week (Feb 23-27) of fundraising activities organised by sports events consultant Linda Gordon. Called the #StayStrongForOws Singapore Week, the event aims to raise funds for his continued rehabilitation.

“It was a bit weird being back here, but I wouldn’t say that the trip is very emotional. I’m okay with it,” said Williams, 24.

“I was happy to come up here and get involved. This trip is my first time overseas (since the injury). I feel ready to meet the rugby fans here in Singapore again. To see the other international players, who have come down to support, has been nice.”

Williams will be involved in several activities here, including a fund-raising charity ball and coaching clinics. He will not, however, visit the Singapore Sports Hub on this trip, as his brother has decided revisiting the venue where the accident happened would be “too much to bear”.

Williams, who hangs his Wales jersey up on the wall in his room, said the injury has changed his outlook on life, and made him appreciate the little things he used to take for granted.

“When I first realised the extent of my injury, it was quite hard to take at first,” said Williams, who took a year to get over his “darkest days”.

Williams said he used to break down sometimes during his 10-month stay at Rookwood Hospital in the Welsh city of Cardiff. “I am so much better now. I have learnt not to look back on what could have been. I just tried to look to the future and get on with it,” he added.

Able to drive on his own in his modified car — with a push-pull handle attached to the steering wheel — Owen said his goal is to “stay as independent as possible” and he hopes to turn the #StayStrongForOws initiative into a charity foundation to help other injured athletes.

He said: “I’m staying strong for everyone who loves me, and I’m battling for them.”

To contribute to the #StayStrongForOws Singapore Week, contact Linda Gordon at lindajgordon [at] hotmail.com