Bringing Communities Together: Pesta Sukan 2024 Unites People of All Ages and Backgrounds

Pesta Sukan 2024 definitely packed a punch this year. Not only did it lead up to National’s Day, but it also coincided with the Paris 2024 Olympics. Against this electrifying backdrop, it certainly gave local residents more reasons to participate in Singapore’s biggest multi-sport community event that ran from 27 July to 4 August, island-wide, as a means of testing their personal fitness and sporting ability. 

This year’s Pesta Sukan leveled up in terms of variety, with the new addition of Rugby 7s and Wrestling in its offerings, thereby bringing a total of 34 sport categories to choose from. 

TWICE THE CHALLENGE, DOUBLE THE FUN

While Pesta Sukan may seem to be for the young and uninitiated, it is really meant for people from all walks of life. From young seniors and middle-aged parents, to children below the age of 10, the sport activities and competitions are suitable for all ages and ability levels. 

Pesta Sukan was especially magical with the supporters of the participants in action - rooting and cheering their loved ones on - both at their games and behind the scenes. 

For 10-year-old Jodie Khoo who attends Ignite Tennis Academy, it was her first time competing in a tennis match, in the U10 Girls Singles category.

Standing proud having competed in her first Pesta SUkan Tennis tournament / Photo credit: Jodie Khoo

“I wanted to experience a real tennis match. Pesta Sukan allows young athletes a full competition experience, and I was able to learn how to count my score and where to stand in a match. I also wanted to learn to try my best and have a good attitude even when I was losing.”

Despite being a first-time competitor, Jodie was not nervous at all, focusing instead on her father’s encouragement to follow through. “My father said he only wanted me to split-step for every shot, and be happy with whatever my score was. I knew I could do that!” said the young participant, who eventually lost her debut match but took it in her stride. 

BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

Alfred (in white) with his team / Photo credit: Alfred Tang

As for Alfred Tang, who is a family man, relishing the joy of being challenged and dominating basketball matches remains a shadow of his past glory – until now.

Like any typical Singaporean living in a hectic and fast-paced society sandwiched in between family and work commitments, joining a sport competition was a mere dream to Alfred. That was until he decided to take the leap and registered for Pesta Sukan.

“Seeing all my past teammates and opponents-turned-friends brought back so many wonderful memories. We are all linked by the love of basketball. To my teammates, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be back after 20 years. The feeling is so shiok.” exclaimed the father of two.

What made his comeback poignant and especially heartwarming was having his expanded tribe witness his comeback from the stands. Alfred’s parents used to support his brother and him by following them around whenever they were involved in a match during their schooling days. This time round, his parents were once again witnessing his play, along with his wife and 2 sons as part of his “fan club”.

To Alfred, the greatest obstacle to reviving a dynamic active lifestyle is inertia - having wanted for the longest time to start playing basketball again but never getting down to it. But now that he has taken the first step (registering for Pesta Sukan 2024), the rest seems effortless, and now Alfred is determined to make the time to continue training for next year’s edition.

WRESTLING FOR THE GOLD

Para-athlete Joan Hung competing in Pesta Sukan Wrestling / Photo credit: SportSG

Pesta Sukan Wrestling took place on 2 - 4 August at Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall, where it saw children as young as 4 years old participating in the event.

“It was an incredible experience for the WFS community. By bringing together volunteers, technical officials, and stakeholders, it allowed us to showcase our organisational and infrastructural capabilities, as well as the depth and breadth of Wrestling and Sports Sambo. Keeping it simple with a dosage of fun for the kids also drew accolades from parents, who themselves enjoyed the event immensely. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to SportSG, ActiveSG, SSI, and Team Nila for their support and collaboration, which is instrumental in the successful completion of our inaugural Pesta Sukan event. We look forward to Pesta Sukan 2025!” said a representative of the Wrestling Federation of Singapore.

WHERE EVERY PLAYER COUNTS, EVERY RUGBY MATCH IS A SPRINT, AND EVERY POINT IS A VICTORY

“Pesta Sukan Rugby 7s 2024 was such an awesome idea for the community, coming together and playing rugby for fun. It was so fulfilling to see old mates regathering for competition, as well as witnessing new friendships being forged. The Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) is very grateful for the working relationship with our partners and stakeholders from Sport Singapore, and we are looking forward to the next one already!”, said Sidney Kumar, General Manager of the Singapore Rugby Union on Rugby 7s being a new sports addition this year. 

Indeed, Pesta Sukan has brought the community together through sports, encouraging Singaporeans to continue their pursuit of an active lifestyle.    

All good things have to come to an end, but that memorable joy of competing and deafening sound of applause echoing from the spectator stands at Pesta Sukan 2024 will forever be etched in the participants’ hearts.

To relive the excitement of Pesta Sukan 2024, click here for the photo gallery.