What does community look like?
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.
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.
Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, attended the event as Guest of Honour and spent the morning engaging beneficiaries and their families as they navigated the zoo and participated in activities together.
For some participants, the experience was particularly memorable.
“The exercises help me build my strength and improve my balance,” she said. “I feel stronger and more confident now.” Her story reflects a broader reality faced by many seniors — that opportunities to remain active are often closely linked to opportunities to stay socially connected.
Stephanie Song, Programme Associate at NTUC Health Active Ageing Centre (Bukit Merah), has witnessed that transformation firsthand.
“Some of our seniors were initially very reserved and preferred to keep to themselves,” she said. “Through regular activities, they gradually became more confident, started making friends and looked forward to coming back each week.” Over time, the activities became more than a weekly exercise session.
“They check on one another when someone is absent, have meals together after activities and encourage each other to participate,” Stephanie added. “The friendships they build are just as important as the activities themselves.”
Throughout SportCares Family Day, these connections were evident everywhere. Seniors exchanged stories as they explored the zoo together. Families worked side by side to complete challenges. Volunteers, caregivers and beneficiaries shared conversations and laughter throughout the day.
The event also served as a reminder of the role that shared experiences can play in bringing people together. At its heart, SportCares Family Day is about creating spaces where individuals feel seen, included and connected — not only to activities, but to one another.
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.
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