Migrant workers enjoy a weekend of cricket

Over the Labour Day weekend, 1,500 migrant workers gathered at the open field at Soon Lee Road, near Jalan Boon Lay.

They were there for a game of cricket.

Every year, the Singapore Contractors Association organises a Cricket Challenge, where teams formed by migrant workers come together for a cricket play off.

This year, 23 teams from 18 companies played in the two-day event on May 1 and 2.

The annual event, which started in 2010, is to mark Labour Day and to recognise the migrant workers' hard work.

WELFARE

A spokesman for the association said: "The foreign workers have contributed much to build our country.

"We will continue to explore various opportunities to increase the welfare of our foreign workers."

The SCAL Cricket Challenge 2016 drew a large crowd of migrant workers to Soon Lee Road.

Mr Saravanan Pazhaniyappan, a spectator, went to the event with around 20 of his friends.

The 28-year-old told The New Paper yesterday: "I like to play cricket and I went to see my friend who is playing."

Mr Saravanan, originally from India, says it was an excellent change from his usual routine.

As a safety coordinator, he works six days a week and spends his Sundays playing with drones with his friends.

He said: "I'll participate next year, if I can. If not, I'll still go and watch."

The eventual winners were the team from Dragages Singapore, a major engineering and construction company here.

Mr Thina Kara, 26, a lorry driver, who learnt how to play cricket from his Indian school coach when he was six, said that the event reminded him of India.

About the event, he said: "I was very happy and I really enjoyed it."

Dancing was provided as part of the activities.