Athletes' Inspire Fund Continues to Support Sporting Talent

Temasek Foundation commits $250,000 to augment Singapore’s High Performance Sports system by supporting promising athletes in emerging sports pursue their aspirations.

Singapore, 1 July 2023 - Promising athletes in emerging sports who have set their sights at representing the country in competitions overseas may now seek financial backing with the return of the Athletes’ Inspire Fund (AIF)[1]. The National Youth Sport Institute (NYSI) and Sport Singapore (SportSG) have started accepting applications for the AIF and the first of six applications windows open from 1 – 31 July 2023.

2.          The AIF is open to non-carded athletes of all ages competing in regional or international tournaments.  Made possible with support from the Temasek Foundation, the $250,000 fund provides more opportunities to athletes who are passionate and committed to sporting excellence regardless of their age and sporting pursuits. Temasek Foundation hopes to inspire the community to discover and pursue their sporting interests up to the highest levels.

3.          Mr Alan Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Sport Singapore said, “The Athletes’ Inspire Fund supports our ongoing efforts to catalyse a wider spectrum of aspiring Singaporeans to take up a high performance sporting journey. It is our hope that the Fund will inspire more athletes to pursue their sporting aspirations and fly our Singapore flag high in the regional and international competitions.”

4.          The AIF sets no age limits nor restrictions on the fields of sport that an athlete can pursue. A total of six grant application windows will be called between July 2023 and February 2025. Athletes can apply as individuals or as a team and will be evaluated based on the significance, quality, and level of competition, as well as the applicant’s or team’s performance and track record. For more information on eligibility, please refer to info in fact sheet below.

5.          Funding levels will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The funding support given may comprise of airfare, accommodation, competition registration fees, visa fees (if any), travel insurance (mandatory for recipients) and purchasing of equipment directly related to the sport.

[1] The Athletes’ Inspire Fund was formerly known as Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund. The fund is still supported by Temasek Foundation.

Fact sheet on Athletes’ Inspire Fund (AIF)

There will be six grant calls for the Athletes’ Inspire Fund, with the first commencing on 1 July 2023. An assessment panel comprising of Sport Singapore and NYSI representatives will assess applications based on the following considerations:

Applicants

• For individual applicants, applicant must be a Singapore Citizen.

• For team applicants, a mixed team consisting of Singapore Citizens and
  Singapore Permanent Residents may be considered.

• Not currently a carded athlete, and not receiving support from a National Sports Association funded directly by SportSG.

• Track record in the sport.

• Selection by the sport's National Sports Association to represent Singapore (if applicable)

• Performance potential - The selection panel will take into consideration the performance potential of the applicant(s), their performance track record in the sport and commitment to prepare for competition.

Level of Competition

• Sanctioned by the sport's International Federation or National Sports Association.

• Regional or international level.

• Quality or strength of the competitor field.

• Significance and prestige of the competition.

• Provide confirmed competition dates on application. Applicants must be slated to take part in regional and international competition(s).

While funding levels will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the funding support may comprise of airfare, accommodation, registration fees, visa fees (if any), travel insurance (which will be mandatory for recipients) and purchasing of equipment directly related to the sport.

 Applicants are advised to plan for their application according to the dates in the table below.

Applicants may find out more information and apply for the funding at https://go.gov.sg/aif. Alternatively, interested applicants may submit their queries at https://go.gov.sg/aif-enquiry-form.