Unexpected Fitness Fellowship: Migrant Workers and Students Connect Through Powerlifting
A recent powerlifting workshop in Singapore revealed an unexpected bond between Singapore Polytechnic students and a group of migrant workers, challenging preconceived notions and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Students from the Polytechnic’s Strength Athletics Club initially aimed to educate the migrant workers at PPT Lodge 1A on proper powerlifting techniques. However, they discovered a vibrant, self-organized fitness community within the dormitory. One student, 19-year-old chemical engineering major Danish Irfan, expressed his surprise: “I came in expecting to do a lot of corrections on posturing and technique. But I was amazed at how seasoned many of them were, and found myself observing more than showing.”
The December 8th workshop, held in the lead-up to International Migrants Day, was co-organized by the ace Group, a division of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower dedicated to migrant worker well-being. The impromptu gym, equipped wiht weights and machines, was a testament to the workers’ dedication and years of collective savings.
Leading the group was 35-year-old Parshotam from Punjab, India. A seasoned athlete with a background in mud-wrestling and experience on India’s national school-level wrestling team, Parshotam shared his passion: “I wanted to share my fitness knowledge with my brothers here. I have many students in India, and I see many of the guys here as my students also.”
His fellow dormmate, Shanramohan Dhanamohan, 31, also played a key role, guiding his colleagues on training and nutrition. Despite demanding work schedules, Dhanamohan emphasized the importance of dedication: “Many of us start work in the morning and reach our dorms around 7pm. Sometimes we also have night duty. But we work out whenever we can, however late it may be.” He proudly noted his personal best deadlift of 200kg achieved during the workshop.He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet, stating, “being both flexible and disciplined is key.”
K.Mahendhar Babu, a fire protection engineer who has lived in Singapore for 12 years, highlighted the workshop’s significance in breaking down stereotypes: “This session was a way to break stereotypes about migrant workers like us. In public, there is no opportunity for us to interact with such students. I often wonder what their lifestyle is like,and if they would speak with us. During the workshop, it felt like we were all the same, motivating one another to do our best.”
Mr. Martin koh, deputy chief of MOM’s ace Group, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening community ties: “The powerlifting event, led by Singapore Polytechnic students, is an example of a shared passion wich brought the students and migrant workers together. This year, we are heartened to see several youth-led initiatives such as a frisbee tournament, a kitemaking workshop and a tour to Gardens by the Bay between youths and migrant workers. We hope more will step forward to join us in raising awareness and gratitude of our migrant workers.”
Local Community Rallies After Devastating Fire
A recent fire in [Town/City Name], [State] has left several families displaced and facing significant losses. The blaze, which broke out on [Date] at approximately [Time], quickly consumed [number] homes, leaving residents with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Though, in the face of tragedy, the community has shown remarkable resilience and unity, rallying together to support those affected.
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Local businesses have donated essential supplies, including clothing, food, and toiletries. neighbors have opened their homes to provide temporary shelter, and countless volunteers have spent countless hours assisting with cleanup and rebuilding efforts.A GoFundMe page established to aid the victims has already raised over $[Amount] in donations.
“It’s truly inspiring to witness the strength and compassion of our community,” said [Name and Title of a community leader or resident], a long-time resident of [Town/City Name]. “In the face of such devastation, the spirit of helping one another has shone through brightly.”
One resident,[Name of affected resident],shared their gratitude,stating,”The support we’ve received has been amazing. we’ve lost everything, but the kindness of our neighbors has given us hope for the future. We are so grateful for their generosity and unwavering support.”
Beyond immediate needs, the community is already looking towards long-term recovery. Plans are underway to organize larger fundraising events and to coordinate volunteer efforts for the extensive rebuilding process. Local contractors have offered discounted services,and several organizations are providing resources for long-term housing assistance.
“This is a testament to the power of community,” added [Name and Title of another community leader or resident]. “The response has been a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times,the human spirit can prevail,and that we are stronger together. We are incredibly thankful for everyone’s contributions.”
Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page at [GoFundMe Link] or contact [Local Organization or Contact Facts] for volunteer opportunities or to donate essential supplies.
Zonneveld, says that the potential impact of talent scarcity on companies growing and even surviving is negligible.
## Unexpected Fitness Fellowship: Migrant Workers and Students Connect Through Powerlifting
A recent powerlifting workshop in Singapore revealed an unexpected bond between Singapore Polytechnic students and a group of migrant workers, challenging preconceived notions and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
### Bridging the Gap Through Fitness
This unique collaboration began when students from the Polytechnic’s Strength Athletics Club sought to share their passion for powerlifting with migrant workers residing at PPT Lodge 1A. While initially intending to provide technical guidance, the students were met with a thriving, self-organized fitness community within the dormitory.
Danish Irfan, a 19-year-old chemical engineering student, expressed his surprise: “I came in expecting to do a lot of corrections on posturing and technique. but I was amazed at how seasoned many of them were, and found myself observing more than showing.”
The workshop, held in the lead-up to International Migrants Day, was co-organized by the ace Group, a division of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower dedicated to migrant worker well-being. The dedicated gym space, equipped with weights and machines, was a testament to the workers’ commitment and years of collective savings.
### Passion for Fitness Transcends Boundaries
Leading the charge was Parshotam, a 35-year-old from Punjab, India. With a background in mud-wrestling and experience competing at the national school level in India, Parshotam readily shared his knowledge and passion with those around him.
“I wanted to share my fitness knowledge with my brothers here.I have many students in India, and I see many of the guys here as my students also,” Parshotam explained.
Shanramohan Dhanamohan, a 31-year-old dormmate, also played a key role, guiding his colleagues on training and nutrition.
Despite demanding work schedules, Dhanamohan emphasized the importance of finding time for physical activity:
“Many of us start work in the morning and reach our dorms around 7pm. Sometimes we also have night duty. But we work out whenever we can, however late it may be.” He proudly shared his personal best deadlift of 200kg achieved during the workshop. He acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining a healthy diet, stating, “being both flexible and disciplined is key.”
### Beyond Stereotypes: Building Bridges
K. mahendhar Babu, a fire protection engineer who has lived in Singapore for 12 years, highlighted the workshop’s importance in breaking down stereotypes.
“This session was a way to break stereotypes about migrant workers like us. In public, there is no opportunity for us to interact with such students. I often wonder what their lifestyle is like, and if they would speak with us. During the workshop, it felt like we were all the same, motivating one another to do our best,” Babu shared.
### Fostering Community ties
mr.Martin Koh, deputy chief of MOM’s ace Group, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening community ties: “The powerlifting event, led by Singapore Polytechnic students, is an example of a shared passion which brought the students and migrant workers together.
this year,we are heartened to see several youth-led initiatives such as a frisbee tournament,a kite-making workshop and a tour to Gardens by the Bay between youths and migrant workers. We hope more will step forward to join us in raising awareness and gratitude of our migrant workers.”
