SDSA 2024 Winners up on stage
Largest number of awardees celebrated at Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2024
- Para swimmers Toh Wei Soong and Yip Pin Xiu dominate top prizes, while para lawn bowls achieves first-time honours
- Minister Edwin Tong unveils refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan
- Ms Ho Ching, Chairman of Temasek Trust, introduced as Patron of Singapore Disability Sports Council
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The Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2024 concluded with its largest number of awardees celebrated at the gala dinner held at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on 20 November 2024. 17 individuals, groups and organisations were recognised for their exceptional contributions to disability sports, encompassing both athletic excellence and community development.
Organised annually by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), the Awards honoured the achievements and contributions made by outstanding individuals and groups in disability sports from April 2023 to March 2024. This year marked significant milestones, including para lawn bowls securing their first-ever podium spot at a world championship.
Para swimming maintained its dominance, claiming top honours for the third consecutive year. Defending double world champion Yip Pin Xiu was named Sportswoman of the Year for the fifth time, while Asian Para Games multi-medalist Toh Wei Soong earned his third Sportsman of the Year award. Additionally, 17-year-old Janelle Tong was awarded Sportsgirl of the Year after winning four medals at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games and setting three new national records in the S10 category.
World Boccia Youth Champion 2023 Aloysius Gan, together with his mother and competition partner Eve Cher, reclaimed the Sportsboy of the Year title, marking his second win since first receiving the honour in 2021. In 2023, Aloysius achieved podium finishes in three international competitions within three months, securing medals in the World Boccia Youth Championships, ASEAN Para Games, and Poznan Boccia World Challenger. 18-year-old Aloysius, who recently graduated from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, is currently a Sports Excellence Scholar (spexScholar).
Para lawn bowlers Khirmern Bin Mohamad and Mawjit Singh s/o Gurmet Singh received the Team of the Year award for their bronze medal performance in the Para Men Pairs event at the 2023 World Bowls Championships. This achievement marked the first time Singapore para lawn bowlers reached the podium at a world championship. The duo, both seasoned athletes who previously represented Singapore in other sports such as para powerlifting and para athletics, exemplify resilience and versatility. Notably, Mawjit Singh had been commended in earlier years at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards for his achievements in para athletics.
The Coach of the Year (High Performance) award was fiercely contested, with 15 exceptional nominees vying for the honour. The accolade ultimately went to para swimming coach Mick Massey, who led Yip Pin Xiu to break the 200m Freestyle S2 world record in May 2023 and successfully defend her two titles at the World Para Swimming Championships 2023. Mick, renowned for coaching Yip and Theresa Goh Rui Si to Paralympic success at Rio 2016, returned to coach Yip in late 2022, playing a pivotal role in her preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Para athletics coach and former national sprinter Muhamad Hosni Bin Muhamad was honoured as Coach of the Year (Developmental) for guiding sprinters Muhammad Ariq and James Ethan Ang to a new 400m T20 national record and two silver medals in the 100m and 400m T13 events at the ASEAN Para Games 2023 respectively.
The Awards also celebrated outstanding contributions to disability sports, extending beyond athletic achievements.
Our Tampines Hub’s Inclusive Sports Festival 2023, organised by People’s Association in collaboration with 11 other organisations, was recognised as Event of the Year. Over eight days, the festival offered workshops, friendly matches, and tryouts for sports such as wheelchair basketball, para badminton, blind football, and para table tennis. The event attracted more than 700 persons with disabilities and 20,000 residents, establishing Our Tampines Hub as a welcoming community space for inclusive sports and physical activity.
Rainbow Centre’s Young Adult Activities! (YAA!) initiative received the Community Changemaker of the Year award. Launched in 2021 to support former Rainbow Centre students who were limited to the boundaries of their home after graduation from school, YAA! engages young adults with moderate to severe disabilities in meaningful sports and physical activities outside their homes to reduce isolation. In 2024, YAA! expanded to include a DIY trekking programme across Singapore’s parks, to promote health and to introduce accessible nature spaces to caregivers and promote family bonding.
The Spirit of Sport (Male) award went to Jason Leong, a former PE teacher who, despite a double leg amputation, continued to champion sports as a way of life. Besides leading outreach and education programmes as part of his work at the ActiveSG Para Sport Academy, Jason also participates actively in sports, such as floorball, swimming and para canoe. He volunteers regularly in the community gyms and physical therapy groups to be a source of support for others on the same journey.
Former national goalball player Joan Hung was honoured with the Spirit of Sport (Female) award. As the captain of Singapore’s first-ever medal-winning team at the ASEAN Para Games, Joan transitioned her leadership skills to coaching, where she now mentors youths with visual impairments to build Singapore’s next national goalball team. Beyond coaching, she is a passionate advocate for sports inclusivity, conducting talks and outreach programmes in schools to inspire understanding. Joan also continues to push her own boundaries by training in blind judo and various martial arts.
Wheelchair Rugby Singapore was awarded the Spirit of Sport (Team) award. Formed in 2015 with the promotion of the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, the team has since brought individuals with and without disabilities together from all walks of life to foster meaningful connections both on and off the court. The group also actively participates in public events to promote inclusivity through sport.
Nor Rahman Bin Jaafar, a former National Serviceman turned passionate volunteer, was awarded Coach of the Year (Community) for his unwavering dedication to disability sports. Rahman has been instrumental in coaching goalball alongside Joan Hung, while also playing a key role in developing Singapore’s wheelchair rugby team. Beyond his coaching duties, he actively trains volunteers to support these programmes and is currently pursuing a degree in sports management to further enhance his contributions.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award recognised not just one outstanding individual but also two exceptional organisations, marking a departure from previous editions where the award was traditionally given to a single recipient. This change reflects the significant and diverse contributions made by all three awardees to the advancement of disability sports.
Soo Kam Tatt, a 70-year-old retiree, was honoured as Volunteer of the Year (Individual) for his dedication and active involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore. Since 2018, he has played a pivotal role in supporting their boccia programmes as both a ramp assistant and volunteer trainer. With patience and commitment, Soo has nurtured players with severe physical impairments, helping them to achieve success in the sport. His contributions prove that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.
Apple South Asia Pte Ltd and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Welfare Services Club, shared the honours for Volunteer of the Year (Organisation).
The NTU Welfare Services Club, a student-led group, has consistently mobilised university students over the past six years to sustain regular disability sports programmes. Despite the challenges of transitioning student cohorts and balancing academic, personal, and volunteer commitments, the club has maintained a steadfast commitment to disability sports. The club actively conducts outreach within the university to inspire a culture of empathy and engagement among its student population.
The NTU Welfare Services Club, a student-led group, has consistently mobilised university students over the past six years to sustain regular disability sports programmes. Despite the challenges of transitioning student cohorts and balancing academic, personal, and volunteer commitments, the club has maintained a steadfast commitment to disability sports. The club actively conducts outreach within the university to inspire a culture of empathy and engagement among its student population.
During the event, Minister Edwin Tong, Guest of Honour, unveiled the refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan, which outlines strategic directions to further develop disability sports in Singapore.
The Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) also introduced its Patron, Ms Ho Ching, Chairman of Temasek Trust, whose leadership and dedication to community service align with SDSC’s goals of fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities through sports.
The 2024 Awards was proudly presented by Haw Par Corporation, a steadfast supporter of the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) since 2015. Haw Par Corporation has been instrumental in the development of boccia in Singapore, with key donations enabling significant progress in the sport. As part of their ongoing commitment, Haw Par Corporation, which has funded the awards since 2019, presented a generous cheque of $120,000 during the event.
The cheque was presented by Mr Brian Loo, Group General Manager of Haw Par Corporation, to Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, President of SDSC. Joining them on stage were notable figures including Jeralyn Tan, Singapore’s first Boccia Paralympic medalist; Yan Jia Yi, World Boccia Youth Individual bronze medalist; and Mdm Liauw, a silver beneficiary of Allkin Singapore, supported through SDSC’s WeHeartBoccia initiative.
WeHeartBoccia, an outreach programme by SDSC, aims to promote the inclusive sport of boccia, extending its benefits to the broader community beyond persons with disabilities.
“The increasing number of nominees each year highlights the remarkable growth and strong community support for disability sports in Singapore. Together with the announcement of the refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan, we hope that the Awards and the stories of these exceptional individuals and groups can encourage everyone—whether as athletes, volunteers, sponsors, or advocates—to come together and build an even more inclusive and empowering sports environment for all,” shared Ms Kelly Fan, Executive Director of SDSC.
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Annex A – List of Award Winners
Link to SDSA 2024 Photo Folder
Annex A List of Award Winners
| Award title | Award Winner | Sport, Age and Impairment | Profile |
| Pathway and Performance Category | |||
| Sportsman of the Year 2024 | Toh Wei Soong | Swimming
26 Physical Impairment (Transverse myelitis) |
While transverse myelitis affected his lower nervous system, it did not deter Wei Soong from excelling in competitive swimming and marking milestones in his career. His journey began with his inaugural international medal at the 2013 Asian Youth Para Games, and since then, he’s consistently delivered exceptional performances. Notably, at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, he secured a bronze in the S7 50m freestyle event, earning Singapore’s second Commonwealth swimming medal after Joseph Schooling. The Commonwealth Games is distinctive for hosting events for both athletes with and without disabilities. His success continued at the 2018 Asian Para Games, where he clinched gold in the S7 50m and 100m freestyle events, receiving recognition for his achievements. In 2019, Wei Soong was nominated for The Straits’ Times Athlete of the Year Award and received the inaugural Goh Chok Tong Enable Award (UBS Promise). He actively promotes inclusion, advocating through talks to students, educators, and university administrators.
In the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Toh Wei Soong secured a remarkable Silver medal in the Men’s 50m Freestyle (S7) event, clocking 29.10 seconds, closely trailing Australia’s Matthew Levy at 28.95 seconds. Not only was this an improvement from his 2018 bronze, but it also marked a historic moment for Singapore as the nation’s first silver para sports medal at the Commonwealth Games. Starting in April 2023, Wei Soong claimed the silver medal in the Men’s 50m Butterfly at the World Para Swimming Series. His success continued at the ASEAN Para Games in June 2023, where he captured three golds and two silvers, setting records along the way. Notably, he set new Games Records in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S7, 50m Butterfly S7, and 50m Freestyle S7 events, as well as a National Record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S7. Wei Soong’s winning momentum carried over to the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in October 2023, where he took home three gold medals, each with a new Games Record in the Men’s 50m Butterfly S7, 50m Freestyle S7, and 100m Backstroke S7. He also earned a silver in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S7, rounding out a historic competition for Team Singapore. Balancing these rigorous training and competition schedules alongside his full-time studies, Wei Soong exemplifies strong commitment, discipline, and time management. |
| Sportswoman of the Year 2024 | Yip Pin Xiu | Swimming
32 Physical Impairment (Charcot-Marie-Toothdisease) |
Yip Pin Xiu, the youngest member of the Singapore contingent at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, emerged as a shining star, securing Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal despite being born with Charcot Marie Tooth, a condition that leads to progressive muscle degeneration.
Talent-spotted by a Singapore Disability Sports Council volunteer at the age of 12, Pin Xiu swiftly delved into competitive swimming, swiftly amassing medals in regional and international meets. Her remarkable journey reached a pinnacle in Beijing in 2008, where she not only claimed Singapore’s inaugural Paralympic gold in the S3 50m backstroke final but also secured a silver in the 50m freestyle event. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded the Public Service Medal upon her return. In 2016, at her third Paralympic appearance, Pin Xiu clinched two gold medals in the Women’s 50m and 100m Backstroke S2 events, simultaneously setting world records in both with times of 0:59.38 and 2:07.09, respectively. Her triumph continued at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she added two more golds to her impressive tally, bringing her total to five golds and one silver. Recognised for her exceptional contributions to society, she received the inaugural President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement. Despite her busy schedule, Pin Xiu actively contributes to the community, serving on various boards and commissions advocating for para athletes and inclusivity. In May 2023, she set a world record in the 200m Freestyle S2 at the World Para Swimming Series, once again showing her prowess on the global stage. Just two months later, at the World Para Swimming Championships, she secured two gold medals in the 50m and 100m Backstroke S2 events, further cementing her status as one of Singapore’s most celebrated athletes. Pin Xiu’s dedication extends beyond sports, as she volunteers her time and expertise to several boards, driving initiatives for an inclusive and accessible world. Her multifaceted contributions, both in and out of the pool, affirm her position as a leader in effecting positive change. Pin Xiu was Sportswoman of the Year 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. |
| Sportsboy of the Year 2024 | Aloysius Gan;
ACP Eve Cher |
Boccia
18 Physical impairment Cerebral Palsy |
Aloysius claimed a silver medal in the BC3 Male category at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, a gold medal at the World Boccia Youth Championships, and a bronze at the Poznan Boccia World Challenger. His consistency and skill have firmly established him as a top competitor on the global boccia stage.
Beyond his achievements, Aloysius is a dedicated advocate for accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. He collaborates with companies like Apple to highlight how technology can enhance accessibility and improve quality of life. |
| Sportsgirl of the year 2024 | Janelle Tong | Swimming
17 Physical impairment |
Janelle’s remarkable achievements at the ASEAN Para Games showcase her exceptional talent and determination in the pool. In June 2023, she won a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Freestyle S10 event, followed by three bronze medals in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, Women’s 200m Individual Medley, and Women’s 50m Freestyle, all in the S10 classification. Notably, her performances in the 100m Freestyle, 200m Individual Medley, and 50m Freestyle set new national records, highlighting her status as a top competitor.
Janelle’s accomplishments not only reflect her dedication to her sport but also her ability to excel under pressure. Her success at the ASEAN Para Games serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and underscores her potential for future achievements. |
| Sports Team of the Year 2024 | 2023 World Bowls Championships Para Men’s Pairs Bronze Medalists:
Khirmern Bin Mohamad & Mawjit Singh s/o Gurmet Singh |
Lawn Bowls
54 (Khirmern) 60 (Mawjit Singh) Physical impairment |
Khirmern and Mawjit have made significant strides in the world of lawn bowls, culminating in their impressive achievement at the World Bowls Championship 2023, where they earned the joint bronze medal in the Para Men’s Pairs event. This accomplishment reflects their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance as they faced off against some of the best competitors in the sport on an international stage.
Their journey to the podium was marked by resilience and exceptional collaboration, demonstrating their ability to work in harmony under pressure. Together, they showcased their skills, strategy, and sportsmanship, proving that they are not only accomplished athletes but also a formidable duo in the realm of para-sports. |
| Coach (High Performance) of the Year 2023 | Michael Massey | Swimming
63 |
Mick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise as the main coach for Yip Pin Xiu, guiding her to remarkable achievements in para swimming over years.
In May 2023, Pin Xiu set a new World Record in the 200m Freestyle S2 at the World Para Swimming Series, a monumental achievement that highlighted not only her talent but also Mick’s effective coaching strategies. His ability to tailor training regimens to maximize Pin Xiu’s strengths has been a key factor in her success, allowing her to reach unprecedented heights in her swimming career. Continuing her remarkable performance, Pin Xiu claimed two gold medals at the World Para Swimming Championship in July 2023, winning both the 50m Backstroke S2 and the 100m Backstroke S2 events. These victories underscore the effective training techniques and motivational support that Mick has consistently provided. His commitment to fostering an environment of excellence and resilience has been instrumental in Pin Xiu’s success. |
| Coach (Developmental) of the Year 2024 | Muhamad Hosni Bin Muhamad | Athletics
52 |
Hosni has coached Muhammad Ariq and James Ethan Ang in the development squad, to achieve success at their sport. Ariq won a bronze medal in 400m at the International Para Athletics in Thailand, and James earned silver medals in both the 100m and 400m events at the ASEAN Para Games held in Cambodia in 2023 and finished 4th in both events at the 2023 Asian Para Games.
Hosni’s commitment to the development of para athletes extends beyond just their athletic performance. He fosters an inclusive environment that encourages growth, teamwork, and personal excellence. His coaching philosophy focuses on building athletes’ confidence and instilling a strong work ethic, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. |
| Community Category | |||
| Spirit of Sport (Male) 2024 | Jason Leong | Floorball, swimming and para canoe
46 Physical Impairment (Double leg amputee) |
It has been said that sport was where Jason found purpose and solace, but it is his mental and physical strength that has redefined what sports can be for everyone. Having overcome what to others might seem defeating, it is every day still a battle for him to bring the concept of sports to the forefront and support others along their journey in sports. He walks the talk and believes sports can be for anyone and that everyone can benefit from physical activities in their lives. Apart from his work in the Para Sport Academy managing outreach, education and programmes for persons with different abilities, he partakes in floorball, swimming and para canoeing. In the course of strengthening his physical self, and experimenting with what works, he has placed himself out in the community whether at the gym or physical therapy groups to be a source of support for others on the same journey.
He had suffered his life-changing setback, having suffered from gangrene in which he had to have below-knee amputations on both legs, and turned it into a challenge to himself to get better and expanded that to support others using himself as an example. His ability to reset mentally and physically and to give of himself in the promotion of sports and physical activity for all is nothing short of remarkable. |
| Spirit of Sport (Female) 2024 | Joan Hung | Goalball
28 Visual Impairment |
Joan Hung has made significant strides in the disability arena, both as an athlete and advocate. She has close to a decade of experience playing goalball. Some notable achievements in her sports journey include being the first women’s team in Singapore to get carded for disability sports & winning a silver medal in 2022 ASEAN Para Games.
Joan is a strong advocate for disability inclusion. She actively promotes disability awareness through educational talks and school programs, where she shares her experiences of overcoming challenges in sports as a visually impaired person. Through these efforts, Joan continues to impact the disability sports arena, not just through personal achievements but also by empowering others with disabilities to pursue sports and lead active lives. Since stopping competitive Goalball, she has taken up blind judo and has continued to train just as consistently and regularly. She actively takes part in events that promotes and highlights para sports and her relentless spirit in the pursuit of sports makes her a great role model. |
| Spirit of Sport (Team) 2024 | Wheelchair Rugby Singapore | Wheelchair Rugby | Formed in 2015 with the promotion of the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, the team has since brought individuals with and without disabilities together from all walks of life to foster meaningful connections both on and off the court. The group also actively participates in public events to promote inclusivity through sport. |
| Coach (Community) of the Year 2024 | Nor Rahman Bin Jaafar | Goalball
49 |
Rahman has been serving as the sighted coach for SDSC’s Goalball programme since June 2023, working alongside Joan Hung. He conducts regular training sessions on Monday nights and introduces Goalball to new players during monthly community sessions. Starting as a volunteer, he has shown unwavering passion and dedication in developing players to their fullest potential.
In addition to coaching, Rahman trains and briefs new volunteers, and strives to make the volunteering experience enjoyable, building strong relationships between volunteers and players on and off the court. His commitment extends to the powerlifting programme and various SDSC events, contributing about 34 hours last year, plus additional hours assisting with logistics and transportation. As a staff member at SportSG he oversees programs in the Para Sports Academy, helping persons with disabilities participate in sports and ensuring venue accessibility. He is currently pursuing a part-time degree in sports management to gain knowledge for designing inclusive sports programmes. |
| Community Changemaker of the Year 2024 | Rainbow Centre’s Young Adult Activities! | NA | Launched in 2021 to support former Rainbow Centre students who were limited to the boundaries of their home after graduation from school, Rainbow Centre’s Young Adult Activities! (YAA!) engages young adults with moderate to severe disabilities in meaningful sports and physical activities outside their homes to reduce isolation. They have piloted several DIY fitness programs, starting with a trekking initiative at Punggol Waterway Park, Coney Island, Stadium Riverside Walk, and Tanjong Rhu Promenade in Q1. Responding to caregivers’ feedback about their youths’ enjoyment of the outdoors, the program continued in Q3 at Rifle Range Nature Park, Bukit Timah Railway Station, and Jurong Lake Gardens, incorporating adapted mini-HIIT exercises to promote fitness. The goal was to integrate young adults with moderate to severe disabilities into the community and encourage caregivers to explore these accessible locations with their families.
One success story is Z, who joined YAA! in 2021 and initially preferred to isolate himself. By Q3 2024, he participated fully in group activities, staying engaged for up to 90 minutes and even joining a group photo. Another successful pilot program, ‘Active & Fit!’, focused on adapted exercises for muscle strengthening, starting indoors before moving to neighbourhood fitness corners to build confidence in using public equipment. Throughout the year, YAA! also offered aquafitness, yoga, Zumba, and bowling, helping members combat social isolation and fostering inclusion. |
| Event of the Year 2024 | Our Tampines Hub’s Inclusive Sports Festival 2023 | NA | OTH’s Inclusive Sports Festival is first and largest family-friendly and community sports festival to inspire individuals of all abilities to live and play together through sports. The event offered workshops, niche and experiential sports and activities for the disability community. The 8-day event concluded with 3 on 3 Mixed Wheelchair Basketball Friendlies, Para Badminton, Blind Football, Para Athletic, Para Table Tennis try-outs and Inclusive Playground.
The festival engaged more than 700 PWDs and 20,000 residents and wide media coverage across mainstream media – digital, broadcast and print with a total value of $162,000. This event collaborated with 11 stakeholders, curating more than 15 sporting contents and participation from 16 Social Service Agencies (SSA) through the whole festival. The team received positive feedback from residents and SSAs for having OTH as the community space to create awareness of the sports and physical activities for PWDs and People with Special Needs. |
| Volunteer of the Year 2024 (Individual) | Soo Kam Tatt | 48 | Boccia volunteer Soo Kam Tatt, affectionately known as KT, has been a valued member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS) since 2018. Now in his seventies, KT was introduced to the team through a mutual friend and has since become an integral part of our boccia community.
As one of our longest-serving volunteers, KT generously shares his expertise with new ramp assistants and uses his engineering background to assist with ramp adjustments. He works with our BC3 players, showing remarkable patience and encouragement as he nurtures their skills. One memorable instance involved a player struggling to estimate distance; KT took the time to guide him, and his patience paid off. More than just a ramp assistant, KT is a true friend to the players, discussing strategies with both those he assists and their opponents. He makes himself available during competitions and is always willing to step in if another ramp assistant is unavailable. During the pandemic, KT consistently came to the Association to help new players refine their skills, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport and the boccia community. |
| Volunteer of the Year 2024 (Organisation) | Apple South Asia Pte Ltd | NA | A global leader in innovation, Apple demonstrates this innovative approach to employee volunteerism, contributing many hours to disability sports over the past year, and also pledging a donation for every hour volunteered by its staff. |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Welfare Services Club | NA | NTU Welfare Services Club’s Regular Service Project (RSP) Physically Challenged and the Vision of Hope portfolios support disability sports like Boccia, Goalball, Soundball and Powerchair Football. They conduct para sport tryouts, promote volunteering, conduct house visits and befriending programs with multiple local organisations including Friends of the Disabled Society and Guide Dog Singapore. | |
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