Press Releases
MOE-Junior Sports Academies Graduation Ceremony 2010
366 student athletes from the Junior Sports Academies’ (JSAs) graduated and received their certificates of participation from Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs, at the MOE-JSA Graduation Ceremony 2010 today.
The students are from 15 JSAs, which were set up in 2008 and 2009. The JSAs provide talented young athletes with opportunities to be mentored by quality coaches at centralised locations, so that they can receive systematic training to realise their potential.
These JSA student graduates have completed a 2-year JSA training programme. Some have also represented Singapore at regional and international competitions.
Background
Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, unveiled MOE’s Physical Education (PE) and Sports Development Framework, on 25 May 2010, at the joint opening ceremony of the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Sports Conference and the 3rd International Conference of Physical Education and Sports Science (ICPESS) 2010.
The Framework highlights MOE’s inclusive approach to PE and sports development, namely, to develop opportunities for all students to develop their potential; to engender a vibrant sports culture and develop talent for the nation. “Talent Development Programmes”, which includes the JSAs and Youth Sports Academies (YSAs), is one of the three prongs of the Framework. These programmes strive to systematically identify and provide development opportunities for talented athletes within the school system.
The training philosophy of the JSAs emphasises the long-term development of athletes. MOE works closely with the National Sports Associations, coaches and schools to ensure quality coaching, provision of safe and conducive training facilities, and close monitoring of the student-athletes through regular contact sessions with their parents.
To date, MOE has set up 21 JSAs and 3 YSAs. The academies are listed in Annex A.