Debuts with over 4,500 seniors representing 110 Active Ageing Centres islandwide, competing in five adaptive sports.

 

 

The inaugural Seniors National Games (SNG) has been launched by Sport Singapore (SportSG) to inspire seniors to lead better, healthier and more fulfilling lives through sport. The SNG features five adaptive sports – modified sporting activities designed to enable individuals of varying abilities to participate meaningfully.

Seniors form teams representing their Active Ageing Centres (AACs) competed between September 8 and 12, 2025 at the Singapore Sports Hub’s OCBC Arena. Over 4,500 seniors from 110 AACs participated across the five Zonal Heats (North, South, East, West and Central). The top 15 teams per sport – comprising the top three teams from each zone – will next compete for the title of national champions at the Finals. Held in conjunction with the National Celebration of Seniors (NCOS), an annual event organised by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), the Finals will take place at Our Tampines Hub on October 4, 2025.

The five adaptive sports featured in the SNG are:

1. Boccia: A precision ball sport similar to petanque and bowls, designed for players with limited mobility. The aim is to get one’s team’s ball(s) closest to the white target ball (jack).
2. Disc golf: A sport similar to traditional golf, where players throw a disc towards a target, aiming for accuracy and distance, with modified rules to enhance accessibility.
3. Ladder toss: Players score points by throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto the ladder rungs from various distances.
4. Seated floorball: A group of seniors play from a seated position, using lightweight sticks to pass and shoot a plastic ball, encouraging teamwork and agility.
5. Sport stacking: Participants stack and unstack cups in specific sequences, promoting hand-eye coordination, concentration and dexterity.

The SNG is an SG60 signature event, in support of the SG60 goal of “Building Our Singapore Together”. SNG was introduced as a way to address psychological barriers seniors may have around being ‘too old’ for sport and physical activity, and to encourage those with varying levels of mobility, ability and sporting background to play together.

Recent findings from the National Sports & Exercise Participation Survey (NSPS) revealed that regular participation in sports (at least once a week) among seniors aged 60 and above has decreased from 74 percent in 2022 to 67 percent in 2024. Among women aged 65 and above, non-participation increased from 18 percent in 2022 to 32 percent in 2024, highlighting the need for more inclusive sporting opportunities for seniors.

SNG therefore seeks to promote active ageing and enable seniors to discover the joy of movement and staying active, while also fostering greater camaraderie and a sense of community with one another. The competitive element of SNG also motivates seniors to challenge themselves to improve their agility, strategy and technique.

Marcus Tan, chief, Sport Development Group, Sport Singapore, said, “The Seniors National Games is more than a competition. It is an initiative to empower seniors of all abilities to embrace active ageing through sport. We understand that some seniors may feel hesitant about picking up new activities, but through adaptive sports, we want to demonstrate that age, mindset and physical abilities are not a hindrance to making lives more meaningful. The Games is also an avenue for participants to strengthen social bonds by creating opportunities for seniors to support and cheer for one another. In doing so, we promote health and fitness while building stronger, more connected communities.”

Added a participant, Michael Seah, 73, from Allkin Singapore’s AAC @ Sengkang 182 said, “I have been excited ever since our AAC reached out for us to compete in the Games. It has been a wonderful experience. I feel more energy and have more stamina, I also found that it has kept my mind sharper. I’m grateful for the support that we have gotten from the different AAC staff at Allkin because training has been fun and uplifting – we encourage one another, share laughter, and celebrate small improvements along the way. Sport has brought joy back into my routine, and I feel healthier and more connected to those around me.”

Another participant, Ng Joo Leng, 64, from Sunlove Serangoon AAC said, “As I grew older, I used to think that sport was no longer for me. You lose a certain sense of confidence, and with the aches and pains that come from standing or moving for too long, I felt my options were limited. But through the Seniors National Games, I was introduced to different types of adaptive sports, which gave me another chance to play in ways I never imagined possible. I can now participate, compete, and truly enjoy the energy of the game. What once felt out of reach is now something I look forward to each week. It has given me the confidence to stay active again, and I am grateful that there are now more inclusive opportunities for seniors like myself.”

The five adaptive sports will also be available for the public to experience at NCOS at Our Tampines Hub’s Community Auditorium on the afternoon of October 4, following the SNG finals in the morning.

(** PHOTO CREDIT: Sport SG)