As part of its Social Outreach programme, the Oldham Hockey Chapter hosted a group of 61 boys and their Case Officers from the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home to an unforgettable day out at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) on June 27, 2019.

The excitement amongst the boys was palpable when they assembled for the bus trip at the Home, and it got even more so as the bus approached nearer to Sentosa. And a loud cheer was heard when they saw the castle of Far Away Land from the Sentosa Causeway!!

Although we arrived before USS opening time, standing in line waiting for the gates to open did not diminish their excitement. Instead, the boys were enthusiastically taking selfies in the plaza area. When the gates were finally opened, they quickly disappeared and went off on their USS adventure.

Most chose to start with the popular Battlestar Galactica ride, while others explored the park first. It was obvious from the look on their faces that they were simply awe-struck by the occasion and were absolutely thrilled to be there.

With the day being a free and easy one, lunch was taken at different times for different groups. In between rides there was time to sit, rest and spend time with their respective case officers. This afforded the case officers the opportunity to speak with them in a less formal environment than usual, and definitely improved their personal connection.

The time to assemble to get home came a bit too soon for them but assemble they did. The glowing faces and wide smiles as they left the park left no doubt that a good time was had by everyone!!

The day was a culmination of a combined fund-raising effort mainly by the Hockey Chapter and also including valuable contributions from other Chapters, which raised a total of $7,320. With additional donations that came in after the USS visit, we are now planning a trip to Watercove Adventure Park for the boys in the near future.

Azman Haron