Tan Poh Sim

I have always loved sports and believed that being active is the key to being healthy, so when I received an email asking if I would like to volunteer for the 2015 SEA Games, I gladly accepted. Since then, I’ve been a volunteer with Team Nila, helping out with duties like marshalling and crowd management during sports events. Being able to contribute my time and effort towards something I’ve always loved is really fulfilling.

As a Team Nila volunteer, I need to walk the talk. I have to keep myself fit so I can perform my duties more effectively, and to motivate others to be healthy and to stay active. I really like it as it combines two of my favourite activities – sports and volunteering – which makes it truly a win-win situation.

I also conduct two weekly running groups at the Pasir Ris Sports Centre. One, for regular runners and the other, for those starting out in running.  The experience I get from both groups are very different, yet they are both very rewarding, especially when I see some of the runners’ progress in fitness and running ability. In fact, I’ve seen a few participants from my slower running group cross over to the regular runner’s group, which is certainly a marked improvement.

I’ve helped participants who have led really sedentary lifestyles go from something as simple as 10 squats, 10 jumping jacks and 10 burpees to push themselves to complete over 90 squats, jumping jacks and burpees. Some of them have lost weight and are looking much fitter. When I look back at the time they started, I feel as if their achievements are also mine.

It is my privilege to witness the fitness journeys of the participants in my running group, most of whom are now my friends. I see volunteering as part of my fitness regime and a healthy way to give back to society.