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 development 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. Review the Eligibility Criteria.
  2. Download and complete the application form (Word or PDF).
  3. 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.
  4. Submit the completed application form with endorsement via email to nextgen@sdsc.org.sg by 10 May 2026, Sunday with the subject title ‘NextGen Para Talent 2026’.

Download the application form here.

Disclaimer

By completing and submitting this application form, applicants 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.

Key Sports Offered

Para Athletics (PI, VI, II)

Para Swimming (PI, VI, II)

Boccia (PI)

Para Table Tennis (PI, II)

Shooting Para Sport (PI)

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 development stage: 

  • Individualised Athlete Plan (IAP) co-developed with coaches and athletes
  • 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 (especially for specialised transport)
  • Sports equipment
  • Annual training camp (including meals, accommodation and logistics)
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Potential DSA Facilitation for Student Athletes

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 demonstrating consistent progress and commitment toward their IAP objectives.

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

Ecosystem support

Build a coordinated ecosystem involving schools, NSAs/SSAs and employers in athlete support roles

Application Process

Please read through the sections for the full criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant 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).

The applicant is able to demonstrate some exposure in sports.

The applicant is able to articulate a competitive aspiration over 4 years in a specific sport and training targets.

The applicant is able to attend Selection Exercise and Interview Sessions in May 2026.

The applicant is able to participate in assessments and programme activities, as required.

*Date/Month subject to change

Timeline

Programme

April 2026

Launch of NextGen Para Talent Programme

Apr-May 2026

Application Window

Jun-July 2026

Athlete & Partner Coach Induction

Jun/July 2026

Welcome Camp

July – Nov 2026

Programme implementation

Nov 2026

Annual assessment & Awards

*Note: Timeline is subjected to changes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the programme panel. Applicants would be assessed based on potential, commitment to long-term development, support needs 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 Residential Welcome Camp.

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

Q: Who is the programme for?
A: The programme is designed for youth Para athletes aged 9 to 35 years old who demonstrate potential and commitment in their sporting journey towards excellence and inclusion.

Q: Is 35 years old a hard age limit to apply?

A: Yes, athlete must be between 9 and 35 years old as of 1 January 2026. If an athlete starts the programme at 35 years old, they have up to one year in the programme. 

Q: Is there a set list of sports offered in the programme? 

A: Key sports under the programme include para athletics, para swimming, boccia, para table tennis, shooting para sport, para badminton, goalball, para archery, para cycling, para lawn bowls, and para tenpin bowling. Athletes in other para sports may also be considered for inclusion in the programme.

Q: How long does the programme last?
A: Athletes selected into the programme will generally be supported for a duration of one year. Continued participation and support beyond the initial year will be subject to the athlete demonstrating consistent progress and commitment towards their Individualised Athlete Plan (IAP).

Q: Do I need to already be participating in sport to apply?
A: Yes. Athletes must be able to demonstrate at least some exposure in sports.

Q: Can I apply for more than one sport?

A: Yes. Applicants may indicate multiple sports in the application form. However, athletes will generally be supported in one primary sport to ensure focused development.

Q: Do I need to be classified to apply?

A: No. You need not be classified in order to apply.  

Q: Can athletes currently receiving the SportSG spexCarding apply?
A: Yes. Athletes who are under SportSG’s spexCarding programme are welcome to apply. However, athletes who are currently receiving the SportSG spexScholarship are not eligible for NextGen Para Talent Programme.

Q: How often do athletes need to train? 

A: Athletes are expected to commit to at least two training sessions per week, depending on the sport and IAP.

Q: What is an Individualised Athlete Plan (IAP)?

A: An Individualised Athlete Plan (IAP) is a personalised development plan created for each athlete. It outlines training plans, goals, competition and support needs. 

Q: Will athletes need to attend camps or programme activities?

A: Yes. Athletes will be required to participate in the annual residential training camp and programme assessments.

Q: Does the programme cover competition expenses?
A: Depending on the athlete’s performance and development plan, the programme may support selected local and international competitions.

Q: Will athletes receive funding or allowances?
A: Athletes may receive transport allowance and programme support, but the programme is not a salary or scholarship scheme.

Q: Who will provide the Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and physiotherapy support for the athletes?
A: S&C and sports physiotherapy services will be delivered by appointed SDSC partners.

Q: Can I use my own preferred S&C coach or Sports Physiotherapists?
A: Yes, athletes may choose to work with their own S&C coach provided they use their own funds and not the Programme funds. 

Q: If I need to purchase specific sport equipment (e.g., a ramp for Boccia), will it be supported?
A: Yes. SDSC may provide sport-specific equipment based on the athlete’s needs. However, all equipment provided or funded by SDSC remains the property of SDSC and must be returned if the athlete leaves the programme or no longer requires it.

Q: Will athletes in the NextGen program be able to continue training with their current coach and club, or will there be a transition to SDSC-appointed coaches?

A: Should the athletes be selected in the NextGen program, athletes may continue training with their existing personal coaches, subject to these coaches being assessed and onboarded as NextGen Partner Coaches. Alternatively, they may transit to SDSC-appointed coaches where appropriate.

Q: is the transport allowance only for training-related purposes (e.g., from school to training venue, training venue to home)?

A: Yes, transport allowance is strictly only for training purposes. The transport allowance / subsidies will be determined and assessed based on several factors such as number of training sessions and transport requirements.

 

 

Ready to Apply?

Step 1:

Download and fill in the application form (word format or pdf format is available) 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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