History of Para Cycling Federation of Singapore (PCFS)
The Para Cycling Federation of Singapore (PCFS) was formerly known as the Handcycling Association of Singapore (HAS). The organisation was formed in early 2007, by members of the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group Singapore, comprising of survivors of spinal cord injury, and the rehab professionals at Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. Then, it was just an informal gathering to handcycle at Yio Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday mornings. Its mission was to get more disabled persons into sports as a meaningful and beneficial activity for overall health and well-being.
With the inclusion of other categories of para cyclists, we were subsequently renamed the Para Cycling Federation of Singapore (PCFS) in July 2017 to reflect the diversity of cycling options available.
Christian Stauffer took over as President in 2016. He was the PCFS Head Coach between 2014 and 2018.
HAS was renamed Para Cycling Federation of Singapore (PCFS) in July 2017 as the organisation expanded to encompass all forms of para cycling.
Aims:
- To create awareness of para cycling as a sport that can improve the overall physical and mental well- being of people with disabilities or special needs.
- To provide an interactive, and a supportive, environment for the participants to share life experiences and build friendships.
- To provide people with special needs a platform for social interaction through para cycling, by actively promoting grassroots development and community outreach programs.
- To make para cycling a part of the local, regional, national and global cycling community.
- To train and develop an elite para cycling team for participation in major regional, and international games.
Remy Choo took over the role as President in late 2018.
“My belief and focus was to make PCFS not just a club to train athletes to win medals, but also to be accessible and supportive towards Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and disadvantaged groups. We wanted to open it and make it a really inclusive and community based rehab, social and sports activity.
During my time as President, we had to keep PCFS going despite difficulties during the Covid years. We tried to grow our membership, renew our purpose, and make PCFS more sustainable financially and membership-wise. We also worked on identifying and grooming a new core management team.”
Committee Members:
- Treasurer: Molly Foo
- General Secretary: Yvette
- Assistant General Secretary: Molly Yap
- Outreach: Lai Kuan
- Communications (Website/Social Media): Desmond Mok
- Head Coach: Manaf
“This award reminds me that every step of my journey can inspire others to believe in their own potential. It allows me an avenue to show others that disability does not define limits. I’m encouraged to keep giving back, and using my story to uplift others in the community to chase their dreams with courage and purpose.” – Amanda Mok