At 18 years old, Sng Lee Ying Jocelyn is a leader whose presence lights up lives Bowling alley. Her laugh radiates from the hallways, and her quiet confidence lifts her teammates. Just a few years ago, Jocelyn would have been easy to miss. Shy and soft-spoken, she preferred to stay in the background during training sessions, avoiding attention and new faces.
Everything changed in 2022. That year, Jocelyn was selected to compete in the World Championships Special Olympics Singapore (SOSG) National Bowling Competition, a moment she now considers a turning point. “Compared to before, I was shy and afraid,” she said. “Now I am more confident and mature than before.” And in the arcade, she found not only a sport she loved, but also a space where she could be herself without judgment, replacing fear with something new: faith.
Coaches are starting to notice, too. “before Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023“She was a very quiet and shy girl. But after the World Games, she slowly opened up, became more vocal, and took on important roles such as being captain of her bowling team and even becoming my assistant coach,” said Derek Sim, Joslyn’s coach.
Her strong performance earned her the opportunity to represent Singapore at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023, her first time competing internationally, and her first time on an airplane. The thought of flying made her anxious, but she trusted herself, and when the plane landed safely, she realized that she had already conquered one of her biggest fears. “When I was selected to represent Singapore at the 2023 World Games, I knew I had found my voice as the youngest athlete there,” she recalls. On that trip, she threw the ball with extreme determination and won her first gold medal.
Her smile on the podium tells the story: This was more than just a win. It was the culmination of years of internal growth, support from her coaches, friendships with her teammates, and the courage to step into the unknown.
Now, Jocelyn is paying that support forward. She regularly helps lead the Learn to Bowl program, where young athletes come to discover the fun and challenge of the sport. “Everyone deserves a chance to show their talent,” she added. “Inclusion is always important to me, and it makes me happy to see other athletes shine.”
Her coaches agree. “She ensures discipline and behavior of her fellow bowlers and always extends a helping hand,” Sim said. “She shares her experiences and mentors young athletes as a coaching assistant. Her journey shows how Special Olympics not only nurtures athletes, it nurtures leaders.”
Jocelyn’s message to others who may be feeling shy or unsure: “Be bold, and be bold to dream big. Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. You can do it. Believe in yourself.”
Through her growth, leadership, and now mentoring, Jocelyn shines as proof of what is possible when someone is encouraged to discover their inner strength. Not only is she bowling for herself, she is paving the way for others to dream big and believe in themselves.
