Unveiling Strength: A Powerlifting Workshop Unites Polytechnic Students and Migrant Workers
In a unexpected twist, students from Singapore Polytechnic’s Strength Athletics Club discovered a rich community of powerlifting enthusiasts while visiting PPT Lodge 1A, a migrant worker dormitory in Seletar North Link. Their goal was to educate and correct lifting techniques, but they were met with skilled athletes fostering a vibrant brotherhood.
The Surprising Discovery
Arriving at the dormitory, the students anticipated a typical session of fixing postures and refining techniques. However, Chemical engineering student Danish Irfan, aged 19, was astounded by the advanced skill level and camaraderie among the workers. He realized that he spent more time observing rather than teaching.
Powerlifting 101
Powerlifting focuses on lifting the heaviest weights possible in three lifts: bench press, squat, and deadlift. It’s distinct from weightlifting, where the focus is on lifting weights swiftly with proper technique in two lifts: the snatch and clean and jerk.
A Partnership for International Migrants Day
The workshop on December 8 was organized by the Ace Group, an arm of the Ministry of Manpower, in preparation for International Migrants Day. The aim was to celebrate and support the migrant workforce by fostering such community-building initiatives.
DIY Gym in the Dormitory
Inside one of the ground-floor rooms in the dormitory, the students found a makeshift yet well-equipped gym. Exercise machines, dumbbells, and bench press equipment adorned the space. This self-built gym was a result of the workers’ years of saving and dedication to their passion for Exercise and powerlifting.
The Powerlifting Instructor: Parshotam
Parshotam, 35, a man of muscular build from Punjab, was the leader of this powerlifting community. He had trained in mud-wrestling since childhood and also enjoyed cricket and kabaddi. Parshotam had represented India’s national wrestling team at the school level.
“I wanted to share my fitness knowledge with my brothers here,” Parshotam informed. “I have many students in India, and I see many of the guys here as my students also.”
Supportive Team: Shanramohan
Another guide to this group of enthusiasts was Shanramohan Dhanamohan, 31, also from Tamil Nadu. He helped his dormmates with diets and exercise regimens.
“We work out whenever we can, often late into the night because of our work schedules,” Shanramohan stated. Despite their irregular eating habits, he emphasized the importance of flexibility and discipline.
Bridging the Gap: Mutual Learning
During the workshop, K. Mahendhar Babu, a fire protection engineer who had worked in Singapore for 12 years, felt a kinship with the students. “This session was a way to break stereotypes about migrant workers like us,” he said. “We don’t often have a chance to interact with local students in any capacity. It felt like we were all the same, working together and encouraging each other.”
Strength in Numbers
The Ministry of Manpower’s Ace Group representative, Deputy Chief Martin Koh, highlighted the event as an example of shared passions bringing students and migrant workers together. “This year, we’re really encouraged to see several youth-led initiatives like frisbee tournaments, kitemaking workshops, and tours to Gardens by the Bay that both groups are participating in,” he said. “We hope more people will join us in appreciating our migrant communities’ contributions.”
Conclusion
This workshop underscores the undeniable human spirit and passion for fitness, promoting unity and understanding. It offers an empowering story of how a group of students turned their expectations upside down by recognizing the expertise and camaraderie among migrant workers.
What do you think about this inspiring story? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
