Singapore Disability Sports Council
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Touching Hearts, Engaging Minds - Excelling at more than academics
By Zhang Yulei
8 July was a special day for the students and teachers of Chestnut Drive Secondary School (CDSS), as well as the athletes training under the Boccia programme of the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). It was the day where many other principals and teachers from the neighbouring cluster of schools came by to visit and learn about the innovative programmes at CDSS, as part of the MOE ExCEL Fest. While we saw many interesting booths about the creative efforts of the students in science, technology, arts and various cultures, the more eye-catching showcase was, undoubtably, the Boccia training. CDSS is the first school in Singapore to adopt a disability sport programme.
Principals and teachers from the West cluster as well as the public were introduced to the rules of the Boccia game. They were also given an insight as to how CDSS students’ volunteerism for Boccia trainings not only enriched their own lives, but also left a significant touch on the lives of the severely disabled Boccia players.
At present, 20 students volunteer every Saturday to help set-up the playing area for Boccia players. Though initially seen as a chore, this volunteer work gradually evolved to become a service that came from within. Very remarkably, it has changed the students’ views towards disability. Through interaction with Boccia players, they have come to accept and respect others for their disabilities, as well as admire their grit and determination to live life to the fullest.
The exhibition aimed to bring to the public a taste of what the students have experienced, It is part of a movement to lead society into accepting and appreciating the disabled, so that eventually, the disabled would be fully integrated into society.
