Who would have thought that what started out as a community service opportunity would turn out to be a life-changing experience for 21-year-old student, Jared Chew?

For three months, while his friends headed home to enjoy their weekends after a hectic school week, 21-year-old Jared Chew made a long journey from ITE College West to the swimming pool within Heartbeat@Bedok. Together with his new-found friend, Wei Lun, who is a resident of THK Home for Disabled @ Eunos, the duo practiced kicking with floats while having fun in the water.

This unusual friendship bonded through sport, was forged via the Play-Ability programme supported by Temasek Foundation and SportCares.

Wei Lun (left) and Jared met every Friday afternoon to exercise.

Play-Ability offers greater support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to play recreational sports and provides more opportunities for social interaction in a fun and engaging setting with all in the community. Volunteers work with trained coaches to provide the physically and intellectually disabled greater access to sporting activities. The pilot programme will run for three years.

While we know that playing sports is beneficial for our health – both physically and mentally, it is misconception that sport is reserved only for those who are athletic.

PWDs can also enjoy it for leisure, recreation or even competition. Sports inclusion, where people with varying abilities take part in sports together, helps build a cohesive society.

Said Jared: “I think there should be more programmes like this because it gives people a chance to help out and participants to feel loved.”

This story was first published on www.temasek.com.sg.