You are here: Home > News & media > Media >
Monthly archives
MEDIA RELEASE
24 August 2007
Tomorrow, the 2nd National Disability League will kick off with the first rounds of badminton and futsal. To date, 487 registrations have been received for the league in total, about a 36 per cent increase as compared to the participation of 357 disabled athletes in 2006.
This strongly signifies the increasing number of disabled people who are keen in taking up sports and it also confirms the proven popularity of this league structure.
The National Disability League (NDL) was introduced by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) in 2006, to replace the National Disability Games started from 2002. The original games functioned as a series of sports challenges held over seven days, to promote sports and nurture healthy lifestyles amongst the disabled while providing local competitive opportunities.
The new league format allows participants to compete across three months, increasing their opportunities for exposure and social interaction. The 1st NDL consisted of eight sports. It saw encouraging participation from 357 disabled athletes from 9 organisations and 13 special schools. 30 per cent of the participants were estimated to be first-timers.
This year, the league has increased to 11 sports: archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, chess, equestrian, futsal, goal ball, lawn bowls, shooting and table-tennis. It will last from 25 August to 24 November 2007. Prize monies are awarded to the top three associations and special schools with the highest participation and achievements.
The first sports to begin are badminton and futsal. 76 participants, ranging from people with intellectual disability, physical disability and hearing impairment, will be participating in the knockout preliminary rounds for badminton. The first matches will be held tomorrow at Republic Polytechnic’s Sports Complex from 9 am to 2 pm.
114 footballers with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and hearing impairment, will be playing in the first futsal matches to be held at Hougang Sports Hall tomorrow from 1.30 pm to 6 pm. Referees will be using whistle signals for the players with intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, and coloured flags to signal the deaf players.
Both badminton and futsal boast the greatest increase in participation as compared to 2006. Badminton has 133 athletes participating this year, as compared to 47 in 2006. Futsal has 114 athletes participating as compared to 72 athletes last year.
For media visits or interviews, please arrange with Ms Kelly Fan at 9007 8669.
For more information about the National Disability League, please visit ndl.sdsc.org.sg
Prize Monies
Top 3 Associations / Organisations
1st Position SGD $3,000
2nd Position SGD $2,000
3rd Position SGD $1,000
Top 3 Schools
1st Position SGD $1,500
2nd Position SGD $800
3rd Position SGD $500
About Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC)
SDSC is the national sports body for the disabled in Singapore. It is the only local organization that caters sports for persons across all kinds of disabilities. It aims to help the disabled lead full and independent lives through sports. Besides providing sporting opportunities for them to realize their potential, SDSC trains talents to represent Singapore and pursue excellence at regional and international competitions. Visit more information at http://www.sdsc.org.sg.
___________________________________________________________________________
Kelly Fan
Manager
Corporate Communications
Singapore Disability Sports Council
Office: 6342 3503 Handphone: 9007 8669
Email: