The Singapore Disability Sports Forum is a platform dedicated to fostering the development and promotion of disability sports in Singapore. This annual event brings together athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and stakeholders from various sectors to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and explore new opportunities for the growth of participation and excellence in disability sports in Singapore.
Distinguished Guest Speaker
McKenzie Coan
McKenzie’s swimming career began with aquatic therapy in 2001 after being diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (a condition that causes brittle bones) as a child. She made her Paralympic debut in London 2012, specialising in freestyle events, and has been an inspiration to many in the para swimming scene. In addition to her athletic career, McKenzie is a motivational speaker and advocate for persons with disabilities.
Forum Schedule
1 October, Tuesday
Time
7.00 pm – 9.30 pm
Event
Dinner Buffet
SDSC Forum #1 (Performance)
Location
Sports Hub Visitor Centre Foyer
Sports Hub Visitor Centre Foyer
2 October, Wednesday
Time
10.45 am – 11.30 am
1.30 pm
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Event
School Visit
Lunch Buffet
SDSC Forum #2 (Community)
Location
Grace Orchard School
Sports Hub Visitor Centre Foyer
Sports Hub Visitor Centre Foyer
3 October, Thursday
Time
8.00 am – 11.30 am
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Event
SDSC Forum #3 (Community)
SDSC Forum #4 (Performance)
Forum Dinner
Location
SportSG Auditorium
SportSG Auditorium
Satay by the Bay
5 October, Saturday
Time
8.30 am – 11.30 am
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Event
SDSC Forum #5 (Performance)
SDSC Forum #6 (Community)
Location
SSI Nutrition Lab
TBC
Session Details
Title
Forum #1
“Who are you competing for?”
Suitable for
Para athletes on pathways to performance
Speakers
Moderator:
Tim Newenham
Pathway and Performance Director, SDSC
Speakers:
Daniel Chan Han Siong
Para Shooter and Paris 2024 Paralympian
Gemma Rose Foo
Para Equestrian and multi-time Paralympian
Tay Wei Ming
Para Badminton Player and former Doubles World Champion
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Title
Forum #2
“Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Sports”
Suitable for
Educators, Social Service Agency staff, Policy makers, Curriculum developers
Speakers
Moderator:
Judy Wee
Executive Director of Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore)
Panelists:
Magdelene Ng
Education Executive, Rainbow Centre
Marriette Ong
Volunteer and Educator, School of the Arts
John Seetoh
Former Founder of RunningHour and Special Needs Educator
Noelle Teh
PE Teacher and I’mPOSSIBLE Educator
Raymond Koh
Senior Special Education Teacher, MOE and I’mPOSSIBLE Educator
McKenzie Coan
7-time Paralympic medalist and para swimmer
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Title
Forum #3
“Adopting Inclusive Coaching Practices for Individuals with Disabilities”
Suitable for
Coaches exploring to coach persons with disabilities
Speakers
Moderator:
Nurul Fiona
Pathway and Performance Manager, SDSC
Deeksha Vasundhra
Senior Assistant Director for Community Partnerships and Development, SDSC
Speakers:
Lionel Leong
Para Swimming Coach and SwimTogether Educator
Jason Wong
Para Athletics Coach
Abdul Rahman
Goalball Assistant Coach
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Title
Forum #4
“Coaching High Performance Disability Sports”
Suitable for
Coaches coaching athletes with disabilities
Speakers
Moderator:
Hansen Bay
Pathway and Performance Senior Manager, SDSC
Speakers:
Yurnita Omar
National Boccia Coach (Coach of Paralympic medalist, Jeralyn Tan)
Mick Massey
Para Swimming Performance Director and Lead Coach, SDSC (Coach of Paralympic medalists, Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh)
Deanne Pheong
Shooting Para Sport Coach (Coach of Paralympian Daniel Chan Han Siong)
Zhao Jin Hong
Sports Psychologist, Sport Science Institute, SportSG
McKenzie Coan
7-time Paralympic medalist and para swimmer
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Title
Forum #5
“How to be Performance Parents and Caregivers in Disability Sports” (Inclusive of a hands-on session on sports nutrition)
Suitable for
Parents and caregivers of para athletes
Speakers
Moderator:
Tim Newenham
Pathway and Performance Director, SDSC
Panelists:
Eugene Heng
Father of para shooter, Shannon Heng
Bernard Goh
Father of Paralympic medalist, Theresa Goh
Ang Sin Hwee
Sports Dietition, Sport Science Institute
Tan Su-Lynn
Educational Psychologist
McKenzie Coan
7-time Paralympic medalist and para swimmer
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Title
Forum #6
“Developing Independent Youths with Disabilities Through Sport” (Inclusive of drop-off activity for children)
Suitable for
Parents and caregivers with children with disabilities
Speakers
Moderator:
Deeksha Vasundhra
Senior Assistant Director for Community Partnerships and Development, SDSC
Speakers:
Theresa Goh
Rio 2016 Paralympic medalist, former para swimmer
Lenis Phoa
Physiotherapist and representative, PlayBuddies
Melody Por
Physiotherapist and representative, PlayBuddies
Faezah
Parent
McKenzie Coan
7-time Paralympic medalist and para swimmer
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