Equipping the Young
Through Play

SUSS giving day

Witnessing the enthusiasm and joy on the kids’ faces as they learnt and played the sport warmed the Squash Competition Group’s hearts. 

Launched in 2021, the Sports for Good Fund supports SUSS Competition Groups in creating sports programmes for the underserved. Students share their expertise and impart valuable life skills, such as teamwork and resilience, to disadvantaged children and youth through sports. Neo Shu Xin, a member of the SUSS Archery Competition Group, shares with us the programme the group initiated and the importance of teamwork.

As a competitive archer herself, Shu Xin understands that the sport, often perceived as very niche, is not accessible to many people, especially those who are underprivileged. This led her and the SUSS Archery Competition Group to organise archery sessions for such families. 

“When we combine a sport with gaming elements, it allows us to cultivate the youth’s interest in archery without formal lessons,” she says.

“We hope the experience will ignite in the youth a passion for the sport, inspiring them to pursue it competitively in the future.”

Serving together as a team has also bonded the competition group further, shedding light on their unity and camaraderie.

“As archery is a sport that requires one’s full attention to handle the bow, it can be tiring to be on constant alert while guiding the children. Hence, it was heartwarming to see the team helping one another without prompting, to ensure that no one is too exhausted,” she adds.

Tips on Organising Programmes for the Underserved

1. Understand their needs
Shu Xin shares, “Talk to representatives or leaders of the community to identify and understand the underserved’s needs and challenges. Always approach these organisations with respect and curiosity about their mission and work.”

2. Collaboration is key
“Partnering with existing organisations can optimise efforts and ensure a more targeted and cohesive approach, rather than assembling a disparate group of beneficiaries on your own.”

3. Keep an open mind
“The needs and dynamics of underserved communities can be complex. Be adaptable and open-minded to change when executing your programmes.”

Other Programmes Supported by the Fund

Sports for Good Carnival with Inclusive Sports
For the first time, 10 SUSS Competition Groups came together to organise a carnival to raise awareness for Persons with Disabilities and promote inclusivity through sports. Sports such as tchoukball and football were adapted to make them accessible for people of varying abilities to play. 

The carnival also featured engaging panel sessions with guest speakers from Special Olympics Singapore and Singapore Disability Sports Council, including Nurulasyiqah Bte Mohd Taha, Singapore’s first boccia Paralympian, and SUSS alumnus and para-athlete Alvina Neo. 

Squash Outreach Programme for Children
To spark children’s interest and potential in squash, the SUSS Squash Competition Group collaborated with Glyph Community to organise an outreach programme aimed at introducing them to the sport. The experience proved to be enriching for the SUSS student-athletes, who took on the responsibility of designing engaging activities to teach the children the basics of squash. 

The competition group is determined to sustain the positive impact by continuing to leverage squash as a means to enhance children’s well-being. 

Sports for Good Fund at a Glance

SUSS giving day
BACK TO TOP

© 2024 Singapore University of Social Sciences. All rights reserved.