About the NextGen Para Talent Programme

The Singapore Disability Sports Council is pleased to introduce the NextGen Para Talent Programme (NextGen), supported by Temasek Foundation. This Programme was launched at the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore Para Sports Championships 2026, on 11 April 2026.

The NextGen Para Talent Programme aims to identify, support and develop aspiring youth athletes with disabilities aged 9 to 35. It provides structured pathways for young athletes, from early development to competitive sport and national representation. NextGen aims to enhance the potential of the next generation of Singapore’s Para athletes, enabling them to grow, uplift their lives and fulfill their aspirations.

This programme is open to all aspiring youth para athletes, including those from:

  • Mainstream schools
  • Special Education schools
  • Social service agencies
  • Inclusive workplaces
  • National Sports Associations
  • Independent athletes not currently affiliated to any organisation

How to Apply:

Steps
  1. Fill in the application form and obtain the necessary endorsement required from a representative of your school, social service agency, National Sport Association, workplace, or, from SDSC Pathway and Performance Team.
  2. Submit the completed application form via email to nextgen@sdsc.org.sg by 10 May 2026, Sunday with the subject title ‘NextGen Para Talent 2026’.
 
Disclaimer

By completing and submitting this nomination form, nominators and institutional coordinators agree that the information provided is accurate, and that the individuals whose personal data is enclosed have been informed and have consented to providing their data for SDSC’s purpose of selecting and promoting awardees via various marketing platforms, including social media.

Sports Offered

Para Athletics (PI, VI, II)

Para Swimming (PI, VI, II)

Boccia (PI)

Para Table Tennis (PI, II)

Shooting Para Sport (PI, VI)

Para Badminton (PI)

Goalball (VI)

Para Archery (PI)

Para Lawn Bowls (PI, VI)

Para Cycling (PI, VI)

Para Tenpin Bowling (PI, VI, II)

Athletes in other para sports may be considered for inclusion in the programme. Athletes will generally be supported in one primary sport to ensure focused development.

Benefits

Athletes selected into the programme may receive the following programme support, based on individual needs and assessments:

  • Individualised Athlete Plan (IAP)
  • Structured coaching and training
  • Training opportunities with national team & coaches
  • Strength & Conditioning services
  • Sports Physiotherapy Services
  • Local competition opportunities and classification
  • International competition opportunities and classification
  • Transport allowance
  • Sports equipment (loaned by SDSC)
  • Annual training camp (including meals, accommodation and logistics)
  • Awards and Recognition

Athletes selected into the programme will be supported for a duration of one (1) year. Continued participation and support beyond the initial year will be subject to renewal, based on the athlete meeting predetermined performance standards, demonstrating consistent progress and showing commitment towards their IAP.

Desired Outcomes

1

Skill Development

Youth para athletes demonstrate measurable improvements in their sport-specific skills and competencies 

2

Competition Readiness

Athletes are competition-ready for national squads, local and/or international competitions

3

Confidence Building

Athletes gain confidence and competence in training and competitions

4

Goal Commitment

Athletes demonstrate consistent progress and commitment towards their IAP objectives

5

Structured Participation

Athletes participate in structured training, sport science sessions and competitions that progressively grow their skills and enhance their lives

Application Process

Please read through the sections for the full criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant(s) must be a Singapore Citizen between 9 to 35 years old, as of 1 January 2026 and person with disabilities*

*Disabilities supported by NextGen Para Talent Programme are: physical disabilities, visual disabilities and intellectual disabilities (IQ level below 75).

Character
The applicant(s) must display good character and must:

  • Have a satisfactory disciplinary record in sports
  • Must not have on-going investigations of their conduct or activities
  • Must be and remain good standing with SDSC

 

Commitment
The participant should be:

  • Able to articulate a competitive aspiration over 4 years in a specific sport and training targets
  • Able to commit to regular training (minimum 2 sessions per week, subject to sport)
  • Able to work actively and collaboratively with SDSC coaches, schools and workplaces to pursue competitive goals
  • Able to participate in assessments and programme activities
  • Able to demonstrate some exposure in sports
  • Able to attend the Annual Training Camp in June/July 2026
  • Available to attend the Interview in May 2026

 

Do note that athletes on SportSG’s spexScholarship are not eligible for NextGen Para Talent.

Timeline

Programme

April 2026

Launch of NextGen Para Talent Programme

Apr-May 2026

Recruitment & Engagement of NextGen Para Talent athletes

Jun-July 2026

Athlete & Partner Coach Induction

Onboarding and Administration

Jun/July 2026

Annual Welcome Camp for the new NextGen Para Talent athletes and coaches

July – Nov 2026

Programme implementation

Nov 2026

Annual assessment & Awards

*Note: Timeline is subjected to changes

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend an interview with the programme panel. Applicants would be assessed based on potential, commitment to long-term development and alignment with the NextGen Para Talent programme objectives. Additional information or a sports visit to the athlete’s training, may be also requested to support the evaluation process.

Up to 20 applicants will be selected, subject to changes.

The decision of the panel is final; enquiries regarding the selection outcomes of the programme will not be entertained.

All applicants will be informed of their results. Successful applicants will be invited to the Welcome Camp.

For more information, please contact:
Ellis Yuen – nextgen@sdsc.org.sg

Ready to Apply?

Step 1:

Fill in the application form and obtain the necessary endorsement required from a representative of your school, social service agency, National Sport Association, workplace, or, from SDSC Pathway and Performance Team.

Step 2:

Submit the completed application form via email to nextgen@sdsc.org.sg by 10 May 2026, Sunday with the subject title ‘NextGen Para Talent 2026’.

Download the Application Form

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