For Mr Mylvannan Mahendran, 55, and his wife Thuwaraga Mylvannan, 48, the Ceylon Sports Club has long been a place where cherished memories are made and friendships with the Sri Lankan community are forged.
The couple, both Sri Lankan Tamils from Colombo and Jaffna, respectively, migrated to Singapore more than two decades ago.
They have been members of the sports club for over 15 years and firmly believe that it has given them a space to connect with their community and strengthen bonds with one another.
“Our children are growing up in Singapore, and we have to make sure they know where their roots are. By meeting children from other families when we go to the club, they always stay in touch with their culture,” said Mr Mylvannan, a deputy director in the IT sector.
His wife, a homemaker, actively participates in volunteer work and involves herself in most of the sports club’s events, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Just like the couple, about 800 people from the Sri Lankan community and beyond gathered at the Ceylon Sports Club for its Sports, Cultural and Community SG60 Carnival on Dec 7.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash was the guest of honour.
The day-long celebration united people of all ages and backgrounds. Held in conjunction with the nation’s 60th birthday, the event fostered stronger community bonds through sports and wellness activities, including futsal tournaments, cricket matches, a kabaddi exhibition, chair yoga sessions, and various family-friendly activities.
The carnival also served as a platform for young entrepreneurs and small business owners to showcase their talents and grow their ventures. A marketplace was set up to highlight Sri Lankan local food, crafts, and cultural products.
“Sports and cultural activities are the best way to bring people together. We have been organising such events for the longest time. For the first time, to promote healthier living, we introduced a wellness zone where people could get free medical check-ups. Ceylon Sports Club is a heritage institution that has nurtured many national sportsmen,” said club treasurer Thanendran Davendran, 50.
Housewife Thirumagal Sathishkumar, 47, compared the club to a second home, one that offers a broader platform for children to be exposed to their culture.
“Here, we can do things we do not usually do at home. My children learned about Paitham Urundai, a popular Sri Lankan Tamil delicacy, more commonly known as Athirasam in Tamil Nadu. I can teach them about our roots more easily through such events,” said Ms Thirumagal.
