Participants from the 2023 edition reveal the competition’s highlights and what makes it so special.
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS / TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG
The Guardians Playoff, formerly known as the Most Supportive Division (MSD), returned in 2023 after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The year-long event — which aims to foster bonding among Home Team NSmen and NSFs — sees individuals from both the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Divisions participating in a series of competitions.
Last year, 2,041 NSmen and NSFs competed in six games, including the popular Futsal 5 Tournament, REAL®RUN and TactSIM competition, along with newly introduced activities such as a physical and virtual bowling tournament and exciting challenges at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s Action Motion. Their loved ones weren’t left out either — 111 family members had fun with fringe activities such as navigating a multi-level net maze obstacle course at Action Motion, as well as games and competitions across HomeTeamNS clubhouses.
In the main event, SCDF’s 4th Division and SPF’s J Division emerged as champions. The awards ceremony, held on 18 November 2023 during HomeTeamNS’ 19th Annual General Meeting, celebrated the merits of participating SCDF and SPF divisions and was a recognition of their competitive spirit. Beyond serving as a testament of their physical and mental prowess, the games presented an opportunity for the participants to bond with one another. Here’s what they took away from the friendly competition.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK
Having represented SCDF’s 1st Division in the competition, NSman COL (NS) Cheng Chee Wee observed that the games had a rousing effect among his teammates. The 46-year-old engineer, who tested his sporting abilities through virtual bowling, Futsal 5, and the TactSIM games, revealed that he and his peers felt motivated to continue competing as a team in upcoming editions of the competition. “Such events enable unit personnel to cooperate with one another and strengthen their camaraderie,” he said.
For participants such as LTC (NS) Shahrudin Bin Salleh, working towards a shared goal took precedence over winning. The SCDF personnel revealed that while his division did not fare too well in last year’s REAL®RUN, they had fun making new friends and are looking forward to emerging stronger this year.
More importantly, he witnessed how the games brought different units together in a unique way. “It provides an avenue for units within the same division to share resources and allows commanders to recognise their team members’ contributions, which is key to any thriving division,” shared Shahrudin.
IN THE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP
For others, the competition was an excellent platform for testing their own abilities. One such participant is 35-year-old SSSGT (NS) Khairil Nazir, who represented SPF’s J Division in the Tactical Simulation Challenges and TactSIM Convenor. He found it gratifying to pull off personal bests, while enjoying quality time with his loved ones. “The purpose of the games is to engage Police NSmen both mentally and physically. With an array of sports available, NSmen can enjoy bonding with colleagues and family,” he said.
Competing with his peers was another highlight for him. “Various divisions competed against one another, fostering a friendly rivalry,” shared the senior pharmacy technician. “An emphasis is also placed on strengthening camaraderie among NSmen from diverse backgrounds and age groups,” he added.
Khairil’s views were shared by SSSGT (NS) Zuhairi Wardi Bin Amir Khaled, who represented SPF’s J Division champions in the Action Motion playoff. The 29-year-old highlighted how the games spur team members to scale greater heights. “The challenges allow each individual to test their limits and showcase their skills and capabilities, while having so much fun in the process,” said the operations manager who works in the drone industry and has participated in the games since 2018.
It is this sense of comradeship that keeps him returning to compete. “The Guardians Playoff is a platform for team members to get to know each other during practice sessions, exchanging tips on how to improve themselves and working towards a collective goal to make their respective divisions proud,” he explained.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE THRILLS
Perhaps what most participants can agree on, is how the Guardians Playoff has grown into something they all look forward to. ASP (NS) Lai Shu Wei from SPF’s J Division, who helped to organise the last year’s games as chief sports convenor, recalled witnessing excited participants eagerly checking for the competition dates in the lead-up to the event. “Some also expressed happiness at the opportunity to represent their division in sports they excel in,” said the 26-year-old.
To him, the games provide a platform for personnel from different departments to forge deeper relationships.
“Engaging in friendly competition brings us together, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie that extends beyond the competition,” he elaborated. “The shared experiences still serve as a talking point when I reconnect with some of my teammates and participants.”
Shu Wei is now looking forward to the upcoming Guardians Playoff 2024, which will introduce a roster of new games including the Adventure HQ Challenge, Tchoukball Tournament, and Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, among others that will be announced later in the year. It’s time to start rallying together your trusty teammates for more action-packed fun!
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