SUSS Dragon Boat × Suncare SG: Ignite DB 2026 — Building Confidence Through Sport

On 12 September 2026, 18 members of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Dragon Boat Competition Group (CG) welcomed 11 youths from Suncare for Ignite DB 2026, a Sports For Good (SFG) initiative combining dragon boating, interactive activities and teamwork to foster confidence and meaningful social connections.

Building connections on and off the water

The session began with small-group conversations, fun-fact sharing and a treasure hunt, giving participants opportunities to get to know the Dragon Boat members and discover common interests. Although some participants were initially reserved, they gradually became more comfortable sharing about themselves and engaging with others.

SUSS Dragon Boat members and Suncare youths build connections through small-group conversations and icebreaker activities.

Participants were then introduced to dragon boating basics, including wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs), holding a paddle and performing basic paddling movements. Dragon Boat members adapted their explanations and provided encouragement according to participants’ different levels of familiarity and confidence.

Participants learn the fundamentals of dragon boating, including proper paddle grip, with guidance from SUSS Dragon Boat members.

On the water, participants practised paddling synchronisation and counting through interactive challenges, including a 30-stroke activity and a “Who is more likely to…” game. The session concluded with a short mileage race, allowing participants to apply their new skills while experiencing the teamwork and coordination required in dragon boating.

With guidance and encouragement from the student volunteers, participants became more confident and increasingly willing to communicate and cheer one another on.

Participants put their newly learnt paddling skills into practice, developing confidence and teamwork on the water.

Community partnerships and student learning

The programme was supported by Anchorvale Community Centre (ACC), which provided the venue and bus transportation for the Suncare youths at no cost to SUSS. Despite a last-minute venue change, ACC helped arrange transportation for the participants, demonstrating the value of community partnerships in making sporting opportunities more accessible.

Participants experience the spirit of teamwork as they take to the water together during Ignite DB 2026.

For the Dragon Boat members, the programme strengthened their communication, facilitation and teamwork skills. They learnt to adapt their instructions, encourage participation and respond to individual needs, recognising that meaningful community engagement involves creating an environment where everyone feels included and supported.

Isaac Lim Jein, a Year 3 Bachelor of Human Resource Management student, shared:

“Through this programme, I learnt that facilitating a community programme is not just about teaching participants the skills. We also had to make sure everyone felt comfortable, included and willing to participate.”

Andra Woo An Ting, a Year 2 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, reflected:

“It reminded me that community engagement is not just about conducting an activity, but also about creating an environment where people feel included and comfortable.”

Benjamin Teng Wei Hao, a Year 4 Bachelor of Science in Marketing student, highlighted:

“Being a facilitator is not just about giving instructions, but also about observing the participants and responding to their needs.”

SUSS Dragon Boat members and Suncare youths come together for Ignite DB 2026, supported by community partner Anchorvale Community Centre.

Through Ignite DB 2026, SUSS Dragon Boat demonstrated how sport can bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for shared learning. Supported by Suncare and Anchorvale Community Centre, the programme reflects the spirit of Sports For Good in using sport to foster inclusion and contribute positively to the community.