From Family Day to Everyday Impact: How SportCares Programmes Are Building Stronger Communities

What does community mean to you?

For more than 1,300 beneficiaries and their families who gathered at the Singapore Zoo for SportCares Family Day 2026 last Saturday, it looked like seniors walking alongside children, families cheering one another on during a Zoo Quest, and conversations taking place between people who may never otherwise have crossed paths.

  While SportCares Family Day brought communities together for a day of celebration, it also highlighted the everyday impact of SportCares programmes across different ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Held annually, SportCares Family Day gathers beneficiaries across SportCares programmes, creating opportunities for connection beyond their immediate social circle. This year’s gathering saw participants from diverse backgrounds come together for a day of exploration, interaction and shared experiences.

Joining the festivities was Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, who spent the morning engaging beneficiaries and their families, participating in the SportCares Zoo Quest and hearing firsthand how SportCares programmes have positively impacted their lives.

For many young beneficiaries, the day offered more than an outing - it was an opportunity to build friendships and create lasting memories beyond the programme activities.

Through inclusive experiences such as these, SportCares continues to foster meaningful social bonds and create opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to thrive.

Bringing together beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds, SportCares Family Day celebrates the connections and sense of belonging fostered through the programmes throughout the year.

While Family Day provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect with friends and create new memories, it also offered a glimpse into the everyday impact of SportCares beyond the event itself.

One such story belongs to 74-year-old Mdm Emily Song.

Through regular physical activity sessions, Mdm Song has gained strength, confidence and a supportive community of friends.

A regular participant in physical activity sessions at her Active Ageing Centre, Mdm Emily first joined the programme after undergoing hip replacement surgery, hoping to rebuild her strength and improve her balance.

“The exercises help me build my strength and improve my balance,” she shared. “I feel stronger now and can walk much better than before.”

She recalled that she once relied on a walking stick and found mobility challenging. Today, she continues to stay active through regular exercise and enjoys the confidence that comes with maintaining her independence.

For Stephanie Song, Programme Associate at NTUC Health Active Ageing Centre (Bukit Merah), stories like Mdm Emily’s demonstrate the transformative power of sport and community.

Stephanie Song (right) with Mdm Emily (left) during SportCares Family Day 2026 at the Singapore Zoo.

“Some of our seniors were initially very reserved and preferred to keep to themselves,” she said. “Many lacked confidence and did not think exercise was something they could do.” Through regular participation in physical activity sessions supported by SportCares, Stephanie has watched seniors gradually become more active, socially connected and confident.

“We always encourage them to give it a try,” she explained. “Over time, they start enjoying themselves, making friends and looking forward to coming back each week.” According to Stephanie, what often starts as a simple exercise session evolves into something much deeper.

“They check on one another when someone is absent. After activities, they have meals together and spend time chatting. Every Friday feels like a gathering among friends.”

For Mdm Emily, that sense of community is just as valuable as the physical benefits.

Beyond helping her stay active, the programme has given her opportunities to connect with others, participate in new experiences and remain engaged with the community around her.

Beneficiaries from Active Ageing Centres across Singapore came together to explore the zoo, reconnect with friends and strengthen bonds beyond their regular activities.

As beneficiaries explored the zoo alongside family members, volunteers and fellow participants during SportCares Family Day, their stories served as a reminder that the impact of sport extends far beyond physical activity.

It is about building confidence, fostering friendships and creating communities where everyone feels supported, included and empowered to thrive.

Stay Connected with SportCares

SportCares believes in the power of sport to bring people together and create positive social impact. As Sport Singapore’s philanthropic arm, we work alongside partners and communities to support children and youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities through inclusive sport and community programmes.

Follow @sportcares on Instagram and @SportCaresSG on Facebook for inspiring stories from our beneficiaries, the latest programme updates and ways to be part of our growing community.