The History of GetActive! Singapore: 10 Editions

Sprinting through 10 editions of GetActive! Singapore

What started as a new way to celebrate National Day has, in just a decade, blossomed into something much bigger.

GetActive! Singapore (GASG) isn’t just about fitness. It’s a call to move, connect, and celebrate as one nation. Whether you're grooving in a mass workout, taking part in a grassroots sports festival, or cheering from the sidelines, there's a place for everyone.

Redefining National Day: From Flags to Fitness

Launched in 2016, GetActive! Singapore had a bold idea to turn National Day into more than just parades and performances. What if Singaporeans could express their national pride by moving together?

GASG quickly became a fixture in Singapore’s national calendar. Over the years, hundreds of thousands have jumped, stretched, and danced their way through the celebrations. It’s become a way for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together not just as spectators, but as active participants in a growing culture of sport and movement.

From One Week to a Whole Month and Beyond

Originally a week-long event, GASG has expanded into a month-long celebration of sport that reaches across the entire island. The programme now includes everything from outdoor workouts to workplace challenges, from student events to inclusive games.

Schools, companies, and community groups are getting in on the action, organising their own events and adding their own flavour to the movement. It’s a national initiative that feels local and personal.

Even when COVID-19 hit, GASG didn’t slow down. It went digital, hosting virtual workouts, hybrid events, and online fitness challenges that kept the community connected and moving, even when we had to stay apart.

The Heartbeat of GASG: Pesta Sukan’s Revival

Ask any GASG regular what they look forward to most, and they’ll probably say two words: Pesta Sukan.

A throwback to 1964, this multi-sport festival was brought back to life through GASG and has quickly reclaimed its place in the nation’s sporting scene. From crowd favourites like football and basketball to emerging sports like pickleball and tchoukball, Pesta Sukan offers something for everyone; newbies, seasoned players, and even the just-curious. For many, it has rekindled a long-lost passion for sports, while for others, it has been a gateway to new challenges, pushing them to break barriers they never thought possible.

But what really sets it apart? Its inclusivity. 

Pesta Sukan features adaptive sports and events for all ages and abilities, reminding us that sport isn’t just about competition - it’s about participation, joy, and belonging. This year, there are more than 10 para sports available for registration to participate in.

Today, as part of GASG, it continues to bring together our communities in celebration of our National Day through sport and active play.

Creating a Sporting Culture for All

Beyond the events and fanfare, GASG is laying down roots for something even more impactful: a healthier, more active society.

In the early years, GASG primarily attracted regular sports enthusiasts. However, with strong support from government agencies, schools, sport associations, and community partners, participation has expanded significantly. Today, more Singaporeans than ever are taking part in a wide range of activities.

It’s not just about being fit, but also about being well - physically, mentally and socially.

More Than Sport: A Celebration of Unity

At its core, GetActive! Singapore is about people. It brings Singaporeans together across races, generations, and abilities. In every workout, game, or dance session, you’ll find moments of laughter, encouragement, and connection. And that shared experience helps bridge divides and foster understanding.

It’s also a celebration of our culture and heritage. GetActive! Singapore weaves traditional games and local customs into the programme, ensuring that as we push forward, we also honour where we’ve come from.

A Decade in Motion: The Numbers Behind the Movement

Here's how GetActive! Singapore has grown and evolved over the past decade:

• 2016: GetActive! Singapore was launched, where 500,000 participants were engaged through various sporting events and activities over a 9-day period. This marks the beginning of the mission to bring the whole nation together in celebration of National Day!

  

• 2017: The 2nd edition of GASG attracted over 680,000 participants over 12 days, featuring activities like National Service inspired obstacle courses and community-led sports events.

Photo Credit: Charles Loh

• 2018: Over 300 community projects transformed public spaces, with activities like AR Dodgeball and laser tag. The event also fostered inclusivity through the Play Inclusive initiative and a Senior Sports Day.

• 2019: Activities were closely integrated with the National Day celebrations in this bicentennial year, featuring mass participation events and sports competitions across the island. The Pesta Sukan theme was revived, and with competitions and community initiatives at over 15 locations.

• 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GetActive! Singapore 2020 adapted by introducing virtual events and online fitness challenges, ensuring continued engagement with the community. The GetActive! Singapore Workout: Dance of the Nation went fully online, while Play Inclusive offered at-home activity kits.

• 2021: A hybrid model was implemented, combining virtual and limited in-person activities to accommodate varying levels of comfort and restrictions, while continuing to promote active lifestyles. It was a highlight year for youths, with the Shredder Series holding skateboarding clinics, and the Lion City Dance Convention creating a platform for youths to shine.
  

Photo credits: Ken Chia

• 2022: With the easing of pandemic restrictions, GetActive! Singapore 2022 marked a return to physical events, including mass participation activities and community sports festivals, reigniting the nation’s sporting spirit. Pesta Sukan expanded with new sports, while the Seniors Obstacle Course and Active Health workshops engaged older adults and promoted fitness island-wide.
  

Photo credits: Kaung

• 2023: In the eighth edition, GetActive! Singapore 2023 saw the addition of many key events, namely Majulah Fiesta and the Heartland Festivals, which are events loved by many to date.

• 2024: In GetActive! Singapore 2024, activities were intentionally made more inclusive and accessible, catering to the masses as well as specific segments of the community, such as children, youths, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The official launch coincided with the opening of the Paris Olympics 2024, making it even more meaningful.

Photo credits: Dyan Tjhia

How to Join In This Year: The 10th Edition

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro to join.

Learn the GetActive! Singapore Workout 2025: Dance of the Nation routine. Organise a team for a friendly match, or simply cheer on others at Pesta Sukan. Immerse yourselves into Signature Events like the Round Island Bike Adventure, or explore the city in the Singapore Urban Walk Challenge. Whatever your style, there’s a way to GetActive! 

Check out this page for the latest event listings, and don’t forget to share your experience on social media with #GetActiveSG.

So get up. Get moving. And GetActive! Singapore.