Paddle with Hope: SUSS Canoeing Team’s Engagement with Ray of Hope

The SUSS Canoeing Competition Group successfully organised 'Paddle with Hope' under the Sports for Good (SFG) programme, in collaboration with Ray of Hope and members of Singapore's migrant worker community, on 7 September 2025. The event brought together SUSS volunteers, canoeists, and migrant brothers for a meaningful day of connection, teamwork, and shared experiences through paddling.

Group photo featuring migrant brothers, Ray of Hope volunteers, and the SUSS Canoeing Team

All smiles on the water — participants coming together for a memorable group photo

 The planning team dedicated tremendous effort to ensure the event's success. After numerous meetings and detailed preparations, every aspect — from the sequence of activities to transportation arrangements — was meticulously coordinated. The team also prepared tokens of appreciation to thank participants and volunteers for their time and enthusiasm.

The project was further supported by Wong Si Hui (Bachelor of Social Work), a SUSS alumna who previously contributed to SUSS' Dragonboat and ODAC teams and volunteered her expertise to help plan and execute the initiative. Her involvement strengthened the collaborative spirit behind Paddle with Hope and ensured a smooth, engaging experience for all participants.

Kicking off the day with a water safety briefing and fun icebreakers before the dragon boating session

Reflecting on the experience, members shared their thoughts:

Wong Si Hui, SUSS alumna, Bachelor of Social Work – "The Sports for Good event really showed how sports can bring people together, no matter where they're from or what language they speak. It was refreshing to see everyone having a blast, with smiles all around as we connected through paddling."

Wong Si Min, Year 3, Bachelor of Digital Media – "I had a great time and experience at Sports for Good. It was interesting to learn more about the lives of migrant workers in Singapore. They were very open, friendly, and eager to share their stories."

Ezra Lim, Year 2, Bachelor of Human Resource Management – "Sports for Good allowed me to appreciate how paddling can be used as a bridge to connect with migrant workers. It gave me new perspectives and insight into their daily lives. I truly enjoyed the experience and hope they had as much fun as we did!"

Toh Jin Yi, Year 2, Bachelor of Science in Finance – "Participating in Sports for Good was a meaningful experience as we dragon boated with migrant workers who have been in Singapore for only a few years. Many were around our age, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly everyone bonded despite coming from different backgrounds. Through paddling together, I was reminded that sports go beyond competition—it connects people and creates shared moments of joy and teamwork."

Warming up with engaging icebreakers before hitting the water

The event not only strengthened collaboration among all participants but also promoted inclusivity and understanding across diverse communities. It served as a poignant reminder that sports can transcend cultural and social boundaries, fostering unity and a sense of belonging.

Participants boarding the dragon boats with guidance and support from the trainers

The positive engagement and genuine connections made during Paddle with Hope have laid a strong foundation for future community initiatives. The team looks forward to building on this success and making future sessions even more impactful and memorable.