Sports programming in Singapore to get more than $250mil over next 5 years

The government will boost funding in sports programming by more than 250 million dollars over the next five years.

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong made the announcement during the debate on the Ministry's budget in parliament today.

Mr Wong said the additional investment will go into the upgrading of sports facilities, enhanced programming and engagement platforms to build a strong sports culture.

Under a new Sports Facilities Masterplan, five Regional Sports Centres (RSCs) will be built across the island by 2030.

They will be bigger and better than existing sports and recreation centres.

They will serve as main focal points for sport competitions, leagues and events.

In addition, the centres will be designed with better facilities, including higher seating capacity in the stadiums, and LED screen to cater for better spectator experience.

The centres will also incorporate other complementary lifestyle and recreational amenities.

The first will be built in Tampines; the second possibly in Punggol.

Details and locations of the remaining centres are still being studied.

Besides physical infrastructure, Mr Wong said his Ministry will also do more to have quality programmes.

He noted that outside of schools, there is no continuing pathway for people to pick up sports they are interested in, develop their skills or participate in competitions.

To address this gap, a new concept called a Super Sports Club will be introduced.

The Club will offer Singaporeans more opportunities to sustain their interest and participation in sports.

For example, if there are people interested in playing basketball, the Super Sport Club will bring them together, offer basketball clinics and lessons.

A pilot will be conducted in Jurong this year.

Mr Wong said once the new Regional Sports Centres are developed, they will serve as the anchor for the Super Sports Clubs.