History

The history of the Singapore Disability Sports Centre (SDSC) dates back to its establishment in 1973 as a dedicated organization for disability sports in Singapore. Since its inception, the SDSC has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing sports opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers. We believe in the dignity, capability and value of PWDs and enable them to excel in sports both recreationally and competitively. Over the years, the SDSC has made significant contributions to the growth of disability sports in Singapore and is the only organisation in Singapore that reaches across all disability groups.

Key Events

1972
Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA) brought SSAs (Social Service Agencies) together to form a Sports Association for the disabled to act as the central sports organisation to coordinate and promote sports, and recreational facilities for persons with disabilities in Singapore.

1973
The Singapore Sports Council for the Handicapped (SSCH) was registered officially as a society. PS/MSA became our first President. SSCH rebranded itself twice – first to the Singapore Sports Council for the Disabled (SSCD) in 1985 and subsequently Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) in 2003. Held first regional sports meet in Singapore. Won first international medals at Commonwealth Paraplegic Games (Frankie Thanapal Sinniah, Robert Tan).

1982
First edition of National Para Swimming Championships.

1984
SDSC registered as a charity under the Charities Act.

1988
Singapore sends first-ever contingent of 8 athletes to Seoul 1998 Paralympic Games (8th edition of the Games).

1990s – 2001
New era for Singapore parasport as SSCD’s development of para athletes and parasport expertise started to bear fruit: 2001, 14-year-old Theresa Goh broke the 50m breaststroke world record. SG went for our first ASEAN Para Games and returned with 16 Gold, 9 Silver, 12 Bronze.

2008
Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu wins Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic Gold medal in the 50m backstroke. The contingent of 6 athletes won 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze in swimming and equestrian.

2010
25 athletes represent Singapore at first-ever Asian Para Games, winning 4 bronze medals.

2015
Singapore hosts its first multi-para sport event – ASEAN Para Games. Our first para athlete was inducted into Singapore Sports Hall of Fame.

2016
The success of the 2015 Games triggered the development of the Disability Sports Master Plan (DSMP) in 2016. Singapore’s best ever showing at the Rio Paralympics with it’s contingent of 13 athletes participating in 6 sports winning 2 Gold and 1 Bronze.

2018
Brought back Singapore Boccia Open (last held in 2008), held first World Para Bowling Tour Series & Singapore Para Cycling Cup. Swimmer Toh Wei Soong wins Singapore’s first ever para sports medal at Commonwealth Games.

2019
SDSC held our first Para Swimming World Series. Singapore is the first and only Asian stop for the series.

2021
For the first time, both Olympians and Paralympians were honored as #OneTeamSG in parliament.

2022
Yip Pin Xiu received the inaugural President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement for her outstanding accomplishments and contribution to society.