About the Singapore Disability Sports Awards
The Singapore Disability Sports Awards (SDSA) was brought back in 2019, after the last Sports Awards had been held more than a decade ago in 2008. The only other time that the achievements of the para sports community were recognised was in 2014, when SDSC had given out a set of Outstanding and Meritorious Achievement awards as part of its 40th anniversary.
With the commitment made in 2019 to continue holding the SDSA every year, SDSC remains committed to celebrating the achievements of the wider para sports community. This will allow us to recognise the efforts of the support system of coaches, volunteers and partners, and provide an opportunity to celebrate moments from the past year. In doing so, we hope the stories will inspire greater awareness for para sports and inspire other persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be open to the idea of participating in sports.
The 2026 edition is jointly organised by SDSC and the Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC).
Nomination Process
Steps
- Fill in the nomination form online:
- Submit the form online by
Thursday, 24 September 2026, 11.59pm
Click here to find out more on the nomination process.
Disclaimer
By completing and submitting this nomination form, nominators 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.
Award Categories
High Performance and Development (Nomination by SDSC, SDSC Ordinary and Associate Members)
Sportsman of the Year & Sportswoman of the Year
Open to Singapore Citizens aged 24 or above (born in or before 2002) who have achieved outstanding sporting performances at Major Games*, World Championships or other significant international competitions, and who can serve as positive role models within the disability sports community.
Sportsboy of the Year & Sportsgirl of the Year
Open to Singapore Citizens aged 23 or below (born in or after 2003) who have achieved outstanding sporting performances at Major Games*, World Championships or other significant international competitions, and who can serve as positive role models within the disability sports community.
Team of the Year
Open to teams of at least two Singapore Citizen athletes who have achieved outstanding sporting performances at Major Games*, World Championships or other significant international competitions, and who have demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity. For the avoidance of doubt, an athlete and their competition partner are not considered a “team” for this award.
High Performance Coach of the Year
Open to coaches who have a track record of developing para athletes or teams towards exceptional competitive outcomes at Major Games*, World Championships or other significant international competitions. The nominee should demonstrate a strong commitment to athlete development and the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethics and coaching practice.
Development Coach of the Year
Open to coaches who have a track record of developing para athletes and supporting their progression along the sporting pathway, from grassroots or developmental levels towards higher levels of competition. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to the holistic development of athletes and the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethics and coaching practice.
*Athlete Competition Partners (ACP) such as sport assistants, guide runners and pilots shall be included in the nomination (regardless of age) and share any award(s) with the Athletes.
*Major Games refers to ASEAN Para Games / SEA Deaf Games, Asian Youth Para Games, Asian Para Games / Asian Deaf Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games / Deaflympic Games.
Community (Open Nomination)
Community Coach of the Year
Open to coaches who have made a meaningful difference to participants and the disability sports community by creating an inclusive and positive sporting experience. This may include supporting participants’ development, encouraging continued participation and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate and enjoy sport. Nominees do not need to hold certification as a coach under the National Registry of Coaches.
Event of the Year
Open to individuals, groups, non-governmental organisations and schools. The nominated event should demonstrate excellence in organisation and have made a significant, positive contribution to disability sport and the disability sports community, through areas such as participation, inclusivity, accessibility, engagement or the well-being of persons with disabilities.
Community Changemaker of the Year
Open to groups, non-governmental organisations and schools that have demonstrated leadership and made a significant positive contribution to disability sport through the initiation, development or delivery of projects, programmes or activities that benefit the disability sports community in Singapore.
Spirit of Sport (Male / Female / Team)
Open to sporting individuals with disabilities and teams who are not nominees of the High Performance or Development awards, and who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their sport, sportsmanship, resilience and positive contribution to others. Nominees should exemplify the values and spirit of sport through their actions and behaviour, and demonstrate a meaningful and positive influence on those around them.
Most Inspiring Story of the Year
Recognises an outstanding news story, feature or media coverage that has made a significant impact in raising awareness, understanding or appreciation of disability sport. Entries may include print or online articles, television or radio segments, podcasts, video features or other editorial media formats. Entries must have been published or broadcast between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 by a recognised Singapore-based news or media outlet with an established editorial function.
Most Inspiring Photo of the Year
Recognises an outstanding photograph that captures a compelling moment in disability sport and conveys the excitement, emotion, determination or spirit of athletes and the wider disability sports community. The photograph should demonstrate strong visual storytelling and contribute to greater awareness, appreciation and visibility of disability sport in Singapore.
Eligibility
- Nominees must:
- have a clean disciplinary history in sports
- not have on-going investigations of their conduct or activities
- be in good standing with SDSC, SNPC and their member organisations (if applicable)
- All achievements, sports results, activities, programmes and initiatives must have been achieved or carried out between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026; results outside of this window may only be included for a Coach (Developmental) nomination, to demonstrate a progression in athlete performance and eventual achievement at an international or national competition that took place between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026
- Nominees can be nominated for more than one award. Separate forms are to be submitted for each nomination.
Past Editions
2025
| Category | Winner | Sport |
| Sportsman of the Year | Toh Wei Soong | Swimming |
| Sportswoman of the Year | Yip Pin Xiu | Swimming |
| Sportsboy of the Year | Aloysius Gan (ACP: Eve Cher) | Boccia |
| Sportsgirl of the Year | Yan Jia Yi (ACP: Lim Yi Yu) | Boccia |
| Team of the Year | Men’s Double TPB9 Team – Low Chang Hong & Loo Chee Wai Vincent | Tenpin Bowling |
| Coach (Developmental) of the Year | Tang Mun Fai Lawson | Table Tennis |
| Coach (High Performance) of the Year | Michael Massey | Swimming |
| Coach (Community) of the Year | Tan Wei Qiang Jovin | Sailing |
| Community Changemaker of the Year | Para Cycling Federation of Singapore | – |
| Spirit of Sport (Male) | Nicholas Hee | Swimming |
| Spirit of Sport (Female) | Elaine Eng (ACP: Desmond Eng) | Boccia |
| Spirit of Sport (Team) | Special Olympics Singapore Dancesport Outreach Team – Kweh Jia Xuan, Oun Zi Le, Seetoh Min Hui & Tang Su-Ann Megan | Dancesport |
| Volunteer of the Year (Individual) | Jessica Lim | – |
| Volunteer of the Year (Organisation) | RSVP – The Organisation of Senior Volunteers | – |
| Lifetime Achievement | Mr Lim Ewe Huat (late) | – |
2024
Category | Winner | Sport |
Sportsman of the Year | Toh Wei Soong | Swimming |
Sportswoman of the Year | Yip Pin Xiu | Swimming |
Sportsboy of the Year | Aloysius Gan Kai Hong | Boccia |
Sportsgirl of the Year | Janelle Tong Jing Xuan | Swimming |
Team of the Year | Khirmern bin Mohamad & Mawjit Singh s/o Gurmet Singh (Gordon) | Lawn Bowls |
Coach (Developmental) of the Year | Muhamad Hosni bin Muhamad | Athletics |
Coach (High Performance) of the Year | Michael Massey | Swimming |
Coach (Community) of the Year | Nor Rahman bin Jaafar | Goalball |
Community Changemaker of the Year | Rainbow Centre, Young Adult Activities! (YAA!) | – |
Spirit of Sport (Male) | Jason Leong | – |
Spirit of Sport (Female) | Joan Hung Hui Xin | Judo |
Spirit of Sport (Team) | Wheelchair Rugby Singapore | Wheelchair Rugby |
Volunteer of the Year (Individual & Organisation) | Soo Kam Tatt | – |
Apple South Asia (Organisation) | – | |
NTU Welfare Services Club (Organisation) | – |
2023
2022
SDSA 2022 celebrated the achievements and contributions from our community throughout FY2021/2022, spanning from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
The event unfolded at the Park Royal on Beach Road, hosting to a gathering of approximately 150 people.
2020
2019
View our Facebook photo album from SDSA 2019 here.