In a significant move aimed at bolstering support for athletes, the Singapore Sport Institute (SSI), National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI), and Singapore Sports School (SSP) will merge into one organisation, as announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, on 10 March 2024.
Streamlining Support
The consolidation begins with SSI and NYSI merging on 1 April 2024, while plans to integrate SSP will follow in a few years. This new entity is expected to create a seamless support system for athletes, addressing their needs as they transition from youth to senior levels of competition.
Enhanced Services for Athletes
- Centralised coordination for better visibility and support.
- No expected retrenchments during the integration process.
- Support for all Team Singapore athletes will remain stable throughout the transition.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), this merger will facilitate a more effective “youth-to-senior support framework” to ensure comprehensive care for athletes.
Kallang Alive Masterplan
Moreover, the relocation of SSP from Woodlands to Kallang has been highlighted as part of the broader Kallang Alive Masterplan, which aims to provide state-of-the-art training facilities for athletes.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong previously emphasised that Kallang would become the new “home” for Team Singapore, integrating various facilities for enhanced training and synergy.
Broader Ambitions in Sports
Alongside these structural changes, MCCY is focused on professionalising the sport administration sector. This includes:
- Developing local sport science and medicine specialists.
- Creating alternate career pathways for athletes post-retirement.
- Making sports facilities more accessible to the public.
This year, Singaporeans will also benefit from a one-off $100 SG60 ActiveSG Credit top-up, which they can use at various sports facilities, promoting a culture of active participation in sports.
The Government’s commitment is clear: by investing in athlete support and infrastructure, it aims to elevate Singapore’s presence in the international sporting arena.