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We are greatly encouraged by the recent discussions on similar rewards for athletes with disability, in recognition of their achievements at the 9th FESPIC Games. We would like to thank the writers for your interest and support towards disability sports.
The Million-Dollar Award Programme (MAP) was set up by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) to reward able-bodied athletes for their achievements at major international sports competitions and is funded by generous corporate donors.
SDSC also recognizes the need to provide rewards for the hard work and sacrifices made by disabled athletes. Funding for such an award scheme does not come from the government, but rather, from the kind contributions of donors and corporate sponsors. For many years, SDSC did give out monetary rewards as recognition for the achievements of athletes with disability at major international sports competitions. For example, in 2005, SDSC secured funding from sponsors, which translated into rewards for the medalists of the 3rd ASEAN Para Games.
In 2006, in order to better champion a longer-term reward scheme, SDSC decided to establish a framework that is widely understood and accepted by the sports fraternity, one that is similar to the MAP, but with quantum rewards reflective of the participation size of disability sports.
We are currently seeking long-term partnerships, rather than one-off or short-term support, to provide continuity for the awards. So far, we have been unable to secure adequate funds for the awards.
As a charitable organization, SDSC is aware of the challenges needed to raise funds. But we believe strongly, through the current positive feedback and interest in disability sports, that we will be able to raise additional funds to sustain such an award scheme, besides raising funds to meet our own operational and programme needs.
In the spirit of sports, the ultimate aim or dream of a committed athlete is to pursue his or her personal best, compete with the strongest and obtain glory as the best. Monetary incentives serve as rewards or bonuses to decorate their glory, but not as the motivation for these committed athletes. SDSC is proud that despite the lack of monetary incentives, athletes with disability have not been affected and continue to do Singapore proud. For example, in 2006, two Singaporean athletes have earned entry slots to the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. This show of spirit by the athletes serves as a stream of motivation for SDSC’s establishment of an awards scheme.
We sincerely invite all corporations and organizations to come forward and help us recognize the contributions and achievements of disabled athletes.
Kevin Wong
Executive Director, Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC)