At 18, Sng Lee Ying Jocelyn is a leader whose presence brightens the world bowling rose. Her smile echoes across the lanes 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 and avoided attention and new faces.
Everything changed in 2022. That year, Jocelyn was selected to participate in the Singapore Special Olympics (SOSG) National Bowling Competition, a moment she now sees as a turning point. “Compared to before, I was shy and scared,” she reflected. “Now I am more confident and mature than before.” On the courts, she not only found a sport she loved, but also a space where she could be herself without judgment, replacing fear with something new: faith.
Coaches started taking notice too. “Before the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023“She was a very quiet and timid girl,” said Derrick Sim, Jocelyn’s coach. “But after the World Games, she slowly opened up, became more vocal, took on important roles such as being a leader on her bowling team, and even stepping up as my assistant 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 idea of flying made her anxious, but she trusted herself, and when the plane landed safely, she realized she had already conquered one of her greatest fears. “When I was selected to represent Singapore at the 2023 World Games, I realized I had found my voice as the youngest athlete there,” she recalls. During that trip, she bowled with fierce determination and brought home her first-ever gold medal.
Her podium smile told the story: this was more than a victory. It was the culmination of years of internal growth, support from her coaches, friendships with teammates and the courage to step into the unknown.
Now Jocelyn is paying that support forward. She regularly leads the Learn to Bowl program, where young athletes come to discover the fun and challenge of the sport. “Everyone deserves a chance to showcase their talent,” she said. “Inclusion is always important to me, and it makes me happy to see other athletes shine.”
Her coaches agree. “She ensures the discipline and behavior of her fellow bowlers and always lends a helping hand,” said Sim. “She shares her experiences and mentors younger athletes as a coaching assistant. Her journey shows how Special Olympics nurtures not only athletes, but leaders as well.”
Jocelyn’s message to others who may feel shy or insecure: “Be brave, dare to dream big. Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. You can do it, believe in yourself.”
Through her growth, her leadership, and now her mentorship, Jocelyn shines as a testament to what is possible when one is encouraged to discover their inner strength. She no longer bowls just for herself; she paves the way for others to dream big and believe in themselves.
#brave #dream #big