Criteria for Inclusion of Sports in National School Games

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Xie Yao Quan, Jurong Central

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the presence of a sport in major Games is the primary criterion for its inclusion in the National School Games (NSG); (b) if not, what criteria does the Ministry use to determine which sports to include in the NSG; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider gathering public feedback on broadening the NSG by including this topic in its Education Conversations.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh, Nominated Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what weight is given to a sport’s inclusion in major games like the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SEA Games when determining the sports offered in the National School Games; and (b) whether Sport Singapore (SportSG) and Sport Excellence Singapore (SpexSG) have a formal role in reviewing the sports offered, and if not, why not.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, Hougang

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the National School Games is designed for participation and character development or as a talent pipeline for major Games; (b) how does the Ministry determine which niche sports to retain; and (c) how resources are allocated to sports that lack pathways to major Games but maintain significant student participation and developmental value.

Combined Response

1. My response will address question No. 88 on the inclusion of sports in the National School Games from today’s order paper. It will also cover questions raised by Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong on subsequent sittings.
2. The primary objective of Physical Sports Co-Curricular Activities is to develop our students in character and 21^st century competencies through participation in sports. The National School Games (NSG) supports this objective.
3. MOE considers several factors when determining the inclusion and retention of sports in the NSG to ensure the sustainability of competitions. This includes students’ interest levels, participation patterns of schools, availability of facilities, qualified coaches and officials, and the ability of sports associations to support the running of the competitions.
4. Whether a sport is in the major Games is not a factor. While some NSG athletes might represent Singapore in the major Games, this is not an objective of the NSG.
5. As the NSG is a part of the national sports ecosystem, MOE works closely with Sport Singapore and Sport Excellence Singapore when considering the inclusion and retention of sports.
6. For the Education Conversations, MOE will engage the public and review ideas and suggestions to tackle the ‘educational arms race’ and strengthen holistic development.