Migrant workers form an important part of Singapore’s economy, taking on jobs that are essential to the country’s progress and development. Many migrant workers come from countries like Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, and Myanmar, seeking better opportunities to support themselves and their families back home.

On Sunday 23 April, Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA) hosted an event for the migrant brothers of Singapore. This event brought together migrant workers, students from the National University of Singapore (NUS), and members of TWC2 (Transient Workers Count Too) for a day of fun, camaraderie, and sport at the ActiveSG St. Wilfred Squash Centre. The event, dubbed the “Migrant Workers’ Squash Day,” aimed to offer a unique opportunity for our migrant brothers in the community to engage in healthy physical activity while connecting with one another in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding opportunities for relaxation and recreation can be challenging, particularly for migrant workers who often lead busy lives; for most of them, Sunday is their only day off. SSRA sought to address this by organizing an event that combined sport with social interaction, in hopes to provide a different avenue for them to spend their Sunday. The ActiveSG St. Wilfred Squash Centre, with its accessible facilities and friendly atmosphere, provided an ideal setting for the day’s activities.

With an emphasis on the importance of staying active and fostering a sense of community, especially for those far from home, the event kicked off with a couple of structured warm-ups. Throughout the day, participants were divided into friendly groups and followed the lead of our experienced coaches, Richard Mo and Omar Adel Ziko.

Whether they were rallying on the court, sharing tips, or simply laughing over a missed shot, there was an undeniable spirit of fun and unity that permeated the event. Coaches offered guidance on improving techniques while also encouraging friendly competition that helped bring out the best in each of them.

Additionally, various group exercises were incorporated to focus on team-building and overall fitness, offering a perfect balance of physical activity and social interaction.

One of the most heartening aspects of the Sports Day was the diversity of the participants. Workers from various different backgrounds came together, united by their interest in sport and a desire to have a fun and healthy day out. This diversity enriched the event, with participants exchanging stories, making new friendships, and sharing laughter across cultures.

As the day progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly friendly, with everyone cheering for one another regardless of skill level. It was a powerful display of how sport can bring people together, break down barriers, and create meaningful connections in an otherwise busy and often stressful environment.

Migrant workers often face challenges in adapting to new environments, with long working hours and limited opportunities to engage in recreational activities. By hosting events like these, we offered a refreshing break from their routine, providing an outlet for stress relief and a positive way to engage with others in a fun, relaxed setting.

This event, which started as a small idea, has already begun to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of migrant workers in the community, having provided them with a chance to feel valued, connected, and rejuvenated.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the ActiveSG St. Wilfred Squash Centre for their support in making the day possible, as well as to all the participants and coaches for their enthusiasm and energy. It was a day to remember, and we hope to host even more such events in the future to foster inclusivity, well-being, and unity.

The Migrant Workers’ Squash Day at ActiveSG St. Wilfred Squash Centre was not just about playing squash — it was about building a community, celebrating diversity, and promoting health and well-being for all involved. Stay tuned for more events from SSRA, where we continue to work towards a more connected and inclusive community for everyone.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear more about how the event has been meaningful and beneficial from Shantha of TWC2 (Transient Workers Count Two), as well as Zixin and Tong Hon of NUS (National University of Singapore).