It was a challenge for Mdm Cecilia Lai, 67, to enrol her son, Cavan Chan, 37, into a regular gym. She worried that Chan, a person with Down syndrome, might not understand the trainers and vice versa.
Through friends, Lai discovered NCSF Uplift, a volunteer-led strength and conditioning programme for persons with special needs. Founded in 2022 by National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Singapore — a certification body that trains and certifies personal trainers — the sessions are free and run on weekday evenings at the NCSF Gym, as well as on weekend mornings at both the NCSF Gym and REVL City Hall.
“When I first came to NCSF Uplift, I was actually very amazed by the passion, compassion, care and how the trainers understand how these buddies with special needs,” said Lai.
Volunteers are not required to have fitness certification, but they must have a basic fitness background.
“It was tough for me to try and enrol him in a normal gym outside because I’m afraid that the trainers will not understand him or he will not understand the trainers,” Lai added. “We have been coming here for over a year and he looks forward to coming here every week.
“He even takes the initiative to lead the warmup, shift the equipment and encourage other buddies. Cavan always goes back smiling and has become stronger.”
Building a Movement
Today, NCSF Uplift has grown to support over 250 persons with special needs, with the help of more than 200 volunteers.
“I was actually in the police force for 15 years. In my line of work, I encounter persons with special needs sometimes and that inspired me to do something for them. I’ve since left the force and opportunity came in 2022 for me to start this,” explained Jasmine Chan, co-founder of NCSF Uplift.
Her vision was to create a safe, inclusive environment where persons with special needs could build strength, confidence, and community through exercise.
Breaking Barriers: From Gym to Racecourse
Among the regulars is Valerie Ng, 31 — the only female representative among eight NCSF Uplift athletes taking part in the HYROX Adaptive category at HYROX Singapore this November.
“I like that NCSF Uplift is tailored to our needs and not as demanding compared to outside gyms and trainers,” Ng shared. “I was prematurely born at six months and that affected my eye nerves and muscles. I have nystagmus, which is an eye condition where you cannot control your eye movement at all. My vision field is mainly central, meaning I cannot see people at my sides.”
Beyond HYROX, Ng is also taking on another challenge. She will be participating in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in December.
The Heart of Volunteering
For many volunteers, the rewards go far beyond fitness.
“When I see the buddies here, they are very happy, passionate and watching them grow, develop and become stronger shows that our efforts really pay off,” said Valentine Tan, 34, a product operations professional who has been volunteering with NCSF Uplift for two years.
“At the same time, I also see this as a chance for the caregivers to take a break, as they are really working 24/7 for their own kids. This is what pushes me to continue volunteering.”
Erwin Mahdar, in his 40s, echoed the sentiment. “To see them progress, to see them actually achieving their goals – that, to me, is an encouragement.
“More than I train them, they are actually training me to be patient, kind and generous. We usually take things for granted and we don’t realise how lucky we are, so this helps to remind me.”
How to Get Involved
For persons with special needs who are looking to join the programme, there is currently a waiting list but caregivers, you may register interest first. In addition, NCSF Uplift continues to seek volunteers to join its growing programme, as well as gym owners who are willing to open their facilities so NCSF Uplift can expand its programme wider.
More information here.
