The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) was established on 1 October 1973 following the merger of the National Sports Promotion Board (NSPB) and the National Stadium Corporation (NSC).[1] The SSC aims to improve the health and quality of life of Singaporeans through the promotion of sports and recreation. Prior to its formation, the government had already been encouraging Singaporeans to participate in sports as it was seen as an effective means of fostering national and social integration among the people.[2] One of the earliest initiatives by the government was the creation of a Sports Division in the Ministry of Social Affairs in 1966 to promote sports participation.[3] The division was replaced by the NSPB in 1971.[4]
During its formative years, the SSC organised many mass sporting events such as mass cycling, walking, jogging and swimming.[5] The council also introduced “Learn-to-Play” schemes to provide the public with opportunities to learn the basics of popular sports such as tennis, squash and swimming through instructional courses.[6] To promote sports at the grassroots level, the Inter-Constituency Games were expanded to include more sports. When the games were first launched by the NSPB in 1972, only football and basketball were featured. By 1983, the number of sports in the games had increased to 11.[7] Besides organising sporting events, the SSC also introduced the National Aerobic Fitness Award (NAFA) Scheme in 1976 to provide Singaporeans with a way to evaluate their aerobic fitness.[8] In addition, the council drew up a Master Plan of Sports Facilities in 1976 to formulate the planning and building of sports facilities in housing estates and schools.[9]
The various programmes implemented by the SSC in its formative years were guided by the “Sports for All” policy.[10] The aim of the policy was to encourage every Singaporean, regardless of socio-economic class or athletic ability, to participate in a sport of his or her choice for the purpose of enjoyment, exercise and health. Those with talent were given support and assistance from various national sports associations to be groomed for higher levels of competition.[11]
References
1. Singapore Sports Council. (1974). Annual report, 1973, p. 1. Singapore: Singapore Sports Council. Call no.: RCLOS 354.5957093 SSCAR.
2. Singapore National Sports Promotion Board. (1972). Annual report, 1971, p. 6. Singapore: Singapore National Sports Promotion Board. Call no.: RCLOS 354.5957093 NSPBSA.
3. Singapore National Sports Promotion Board, 1972, p. 6.
4. Singapore National Sports Promotion Board, 1972, p. 6.
5. Singapore Sports Council. (1983). Singapore Sports Council:The first ten years, p. 17. Singapore: Singapore Sports Council. Call no.: RSING 796.0605957 SIN.
6. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 21.
7. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 28
8. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 58.
9. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 75.
10. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 16.
11. Singapore Sports Council, 1983, p. 16.
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The information in this article is valid as at 2014 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.
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