Student-Led VIA Projects Create Positive Impact

Driven by a shared desire to make a positive difference in the community, Project Uplift was a self-initiated Values in Action (VIA) project led by student-athletes from the Shooting Academy, namely Tan Jing Quan (Chairperson, Secondary 3), Marsya Raudhah Shah Raihan Shah (Vice-Chairperson, Secondary 3 ) and Anna Foo Rui Qi (Vice-Chairperson, Secondary 1).

The project supports the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and demonstrating care and compassion. Through their efforts, the student-athletes sought to create meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities while encouraging greater understanding and inclusion through sport.

As part of Project Uplift, the team volunteered at the Pesta Sukan Boccia competition held at Pasir Ris Sports Centre from 17 to 19 July 2026, as well as the Play Inclusive event at Singapore EXPO on 1 August. At both events, the student volunteers worked closely with athletes, officials and organisers to ensure activities ran smoothly and participants had a positive experience. They will continue giving their time at upcoming events and encouraged student-athletes to volunteer for events in September as well.

Through these experiences, the student-athletes gained valuable insights into the importance of inclusion and the role that sport can play in bringing people together. They learnt to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, while developing greater empathy and appreciation for the determination and abilities of athletes with disabilities.

After noticing that many recyclable items were being discarded in general waste bins, Secondary 2 Multi-Sport student-athletes Elsa Sio Mei Xuan, Nur Arisha Adrianna Azhar and Angelin Leong Yee Rong launched Project ECO, a student-initiated sustainability project aimed at encouraging recycling within the Sports School community.

Using Jambo bags and dedicated recycling bins, the team aimed to make recycling more accessible and convenient for student-athletes and staff. They also designed and displayed educational posters around the school to raise awareness about proper recycling practices and the types of plastics that can be recycled.

To support their initiative, recycling collection points were set up at key locations, including outside the arena, at the boarding void deck and within the Science Block. Through Project ECO, the student-athletes encouraged their peers to adopt more environmentally responsible habits and contributed to building a stronger culture of sustainability within the school.

The Football Academy's VIA programme gave student-athletes the opportunity to serve the community in meaningful ways while developing empathy, leadership and a deeper understanding of social inclusion.

For the lower secondary student-athletes, service came in the form of Strike for Care, a community futsal fundraiser that supports seniors in need and their caregivers. The event brought people together through sport to make a positive impact on the community.

Student-athletes played an important role in ensuring the event's success. They manned activity stations, engaged participants and helped keep the event running smoothly. From organising traditional kampong games such as five stones to preparing and serving popcorn, they contributed their time and energy to create an enjoyable experience for all. Through these interactions, they saw first-hand how collective effort and community spirit can translate into meaningful support for others.

Meanwhile, 14 student-athletes took part in a VIA experience at the Special Olympics football competition held at Singapore EXPO Hall 6. Working closely with athletes with intellectual disabilities, the student-athletes assisted in managing matches, collecting balls and ensuring games resumed promptly and smoothly.

Beyond event operations, the experience provided valuable lessons on inclusion through sport. Student-athletes learnt about inclusive football rules and gained a deeper appreciation of the passion, determination and love for the game displayed by athletes with disabilities.

Written By
Passion Hsu
Individual Programme - Golf, Secondary 4

On 24 August 2026, our Individual Programme student-athletes completed their Values in Action project, led by the Secondary 4 student-athletes. With the support of the Secondary 1, 2 and polytechnic student-athletes, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with the elderly at Woodlands Care Corner Active Ageing Centre.

The student-athletes organised a variety of fun activities, including memory games, bowling, water pong, bingo and balloon volleyball. It was heartwarming to see everyone getting involved, laughing and enjoying themselves together.

The seniors shared with us that they not only enjoyed the activities immensely but would also love to do it again. Through this experience, our student-athletes not only brought joy to others, but also learnt the importance of compassion, care, connection and giving back to the community.