SUSS Archery hosted a funshoot for volunteers and staff from the Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP), with the objectives of introducing archery to a wider audience, fostering meaningful interactions between archery team members and BMDP volunteers, and providing a platform for BMDP to raise awareness about bone marrow donation and the donation process.
Group photo of all participants and instructors
The event encountered a brief logistical hiccup before it began when the chartered bus transporting the BMDP participants was not dispatched on time. Thanks to the swift action of Si Thu Win Htain, Captain of the Archery team and a Year 4 Accountancy student, the issue was promptly resolved, and participants arrived at the range as scheduled. With the support of the archery team members as instructors, the session was designed to be engaging and dynamic, featuring a mock hunting game and a mini competition with small targets. Participants enthusiastically embraced the challenge, steadily improving their archery skills throughout the session. The archery team members quickly established rapport with the participants, lifting the mood and ensuring a positive experience despite the rocky start.
Instructors supervising participants
One of the BMDP staff shared:
“The event was well-organised. Volunteers enjoyed the hands-on experience, as archery is not a sport they regularly participate in. The trainers were professional and engaging, which enhanced the overall experience. The event also highlighted SUSS Archery’s commitment to community involvement. It demonstrated how partnerships like this support BMDP’s mission, showing that even small contributions of time or resources can make a meaningful impact.”
Chiam Jielun Jaren, a Compound archer and Year 3 Psychology student, reflected on his role:
“I helped ensure the activities ran smoothly, including logistical preparation and responding to emerging needs during the event. I worked closely with fellow volunteers to engage participants, maintain the flow of activities, propose contingency plans, and ensure safety and inclusivity throughout the session.
Interacting with the volunteers deepened my understanding of social responsibility. Through conversations and shared experiences, I became more aware of the diverse backgrounds and motivations of both volunteers and beneficiaries. Their dedication demonstrated that social responsibility goes beyond good intentions—it requires active listening, adaptability, and sustained effort, qualities that are especially commendable given that BMDP receives no government funding.
This experience reinforced the idea that meaningful community impact is built through collaboration and a genuine willingness to understand and respond to the needs of others.”
Scoring for mock competition
Camille, a Recurve archer and Year 3 Supply Chain Management student, added:
“It was my second time guiding participants at an SFG funshoot with BMDP. Seeing their confidence grow as they tried archery was rewarding, and I also learned more about BMDP and the dedication of their volunteers. From Andy’s fundraising spin classes to BMDP’s long-standing commitment to supporting patients, it was inspiring to see how everyone—regardless of age or background—can contribute meaningfully. Often, the biggest barrier is simply the willingness to step forward and help.”
Address by BMDP COO
The event concluded with an address by BMDP’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Ravindram Nagalingam, who expressed his appreciation for the sustained partnership with SUSS Archery and shared insights on BMDP’s mission and activities, in line with SUSS’s emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement.
Presentation of an appreciation gift to the BMDP COO
Overall, the funshoot strengthened the partnership between SUSS Archery and BMDP, while providing archery team members with valuable insights into volunteerism and social responsibility, which they can carry forward as SUSS students and contributing members of society.