Heart of the Game: Evolving from Volunteer to PCFS Community Coach

1. How did you get to know PCFS, and how did your journey begin?
My journey began in June 2016 during a CSR event organised by my employer at the time, Citibank. We visited what was then known as the Handcycling Association of Singapore (HAS)—which would later become PCFS. That was my very first exposure not only to handcycling but to para-sports in general.

At the time, I was actively looking for an opportunity to volunteer and give back to Singapore—a country where I’ve spent most of my working life, where my kids grew up, and which has truly become my second home. I noticed HAS had very few volunteers and realised I could genuinely be of use. I approached the organisers, and they warmly welcomed me to join their Saturday training sessions at ITE Simei.

As I continued volunteering, I was eventually offered the chance to be trained and certified as a coach. Initially, I lacked the confidence to take on the coaching position. However, thanks to the incredible encouragement and support from various parents of our PCFS athletes – Remy, Lai Kuan, Molly, and Lim Nah – I leapt, and in 2020, officially became an NROC-certified coach.

Since then, the organisation has grown tremendously. HAS evolved into PCFS; we introduced tandem cycles and tricycles, and our athlete roster expanded from just 10 to around 40, with many now competing in regional and international events. Going from someone who didn’t even know how to pump a bicycle tyre to being designated a community coach—and even being nominated for the Community Coach of the Year award—has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. I owe it all to the athletes, their parents and caregivers, and the PCFS management, who have always been so supportive. Today, it’s not just me; my wife and two daughters are also very much a part of this wonderful extended family.

2. What has PCFS done for you?
It opened the door to the world of sports, para-sports, and coaching for me. It gave me the confidence to work closely with people with disabilities and provided me with a meaningful way to give back to the society that has supported me for the past 35 years.

3. What have been the highlights or best memories of your PCFS experience?
Being offered the role of a coach was my first major milestone, followed by being nominated by PCFS for Community Coach of the Year—an honour I still can’t quite believe I deserved!

Along the way, there have been so many unforgettable moments, from first meaningful interactions with new athletes, meeting President Tharman & various Ministers through a host of PCFS outreach events – SDSC, SNPG, and Car-Free Day events to the sheer joy of cycling alongside our athletes at various triathlons & community events such as Run for Inclusion!

4. What would you recommend for someone considering joining PCFS?
Many of my friends ask me, “Why do you volunteer with PCFS?” My answer is simple: “Because I can.”

You don’t need to be an expert or have any prior experience. All you need is a couple of hours to spare and the willingness to share some truly enjoyable moments. Volunteering with PCFS will give you immense personal satisfaction, introduce you to many great friends, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

5. How has your coaching journey been so far?
In a single word: Fulfilling. It has been an absolute joy. PCFS has given me confidence to support those who need it, a happy extended family and provided my children with firsthand exposure to the impact of helping others.

6. Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share?
I highly encourage anyone who can commit just a couple of hours a week to join PCFS or a similar organisation. When you invest your time and energy, you gain so much more in return—you earn deep satisfaction for your mind and great exercise for your body.

Sharing my reflection on our strength training sessions at FireCity:

1. Before starting the FireCity Gym sessions, how did you feel and what were your expectations?
Being a caregiver can be emotionally exhausting, as there is always something that needs to be done for our loved ones with disability. On top of that, trying to balance caregiving with work. My expectation was to take a pause in a meaningful way, to step away from the pressures with the goal of making myself stronger physically and mentally.

2. After many sessions, what changes have you noticed in yourself? What keeps you going to the gym?
The gym has become my space to pause from the demands of caregiving and work and to find a sustainable source of strength. What keeps me going is the reset the gym provides. It’s a dedicated hour where I can focus on my own progress which helps me return to my caregiving role and work with a cleared mind and renewed patience.

3. What was one meaningful moment or highlight from your experience?
There was a specific session where I felt physically tired but mentally energized. Having that hour to reset and share that space with coaches, volunteers and fellow caregivers who understand that journey made it even more impactful.

4. Would you recommend this programme to other caregivers, and why?
I would absolutely recommend this to other caregivers. We often forget that we cannot pour from an empty cup. This programme isn’t just about fitness, it’s about community and reclaiming a piece of yourself. It gives you the physical and emotional stamina to keep showing up for our loved ones with disability while honoring your own need for growth.

I am deeply grateful to Samuel for opening his space to PCFS and to the FireCity community for making us feel welcome!