Still on Target: SIT Archery Alumni Reunite Through Sport

For many graduates, the bonds formed during their university days slowly fade once the demands of working life take over. But for a group of alumni archers previously from the SIT Archery Club, the passion that brought them together on the shooting line never quite let go. On 13 June, five members of the SIT Archery Alumni Group came together once again, this time at the NUS Indoors 2026 competition, proving that some connections are well worth holding onto.

The team featured a wonderfully diverse mix of SITizens across cohorts and disciplines: Tey Wei Xun Gary (BEng (Hons) Computer Engineering, Class of 2024), Chin Yi Ying Jennifer (BSc Hotel Administration, Class of 2012), Kwek Yan Leong Justin (BSc (Hons) Nursing, Class of 2024), How Shun Han (BEng (Hons) ICT majoring in Information Security, Class of 2025), and Ho Zheng Feng Justin (BEng (Hons) Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Engineering, Class of 2020). Spanning more than a decade of graduating classes, the group is a reminder that shared passions can bridge any gap.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Front row from left to right: Justin Ho, Justin Kwek, Tan Zhen Kai
Back row from left to right: Jennifer Chin, How Shun Han and Gary Tey

Behind the team’s return to competition was Gary, president of the SIT Archery Alumni Group and the team’s manager, whose drive to keep the community active was the spark that brought everyone back to the range.

“I want to provide a platform for alumni archers to continue competing and to organise teams of their own,” Gary shared. For him, the alumni group is about more than just the sport- it’s about giving graduates a reason to keep showing up, keep improving, and keep the friendships going long after they’ve left campus.

He hopes the team’s efforts will encourage others to do the same. “I hope this alumni team can be the motivating factor for students and alumni to continue archery after graduating,” he said. It’s a quiet but powerful ambition: to make sure no one feels they have to hang up their bow simply because they’ve graduated.

A Community Worth Coming Back To

Left: Shun Han. Right: Jennifer.

Ask the team what keeps drawing them back, and the answer has little to do with scores or medals- and everything to do with the people.

For Shun Han, it’s the warmth of the group that makes all the difference. “It’s the people,” he said, “especially the president, who goes above and beyond to reach out to members for events like these.” That sense of being personally included, of someone making the effort to bring everyone together, is what transforms a casual interest group into a genuine community.

Jennifer echoed the sentiment, describing the team as an encouraging bunch who freely share helpful tips and cheer one another on. She had nothing but praise for the group’s hardworking leader, affectionately crowning him the “best captain, coach, media and team manager ever”. And, she added with a smiley emoticon, the packet lunch shared after the competition certainly didn’t hurt either.

Moments That Make It Memorable

If there’s one thing this team has plenty of, it’s good stories- and they’re rarely about the shooting itself.

For Shun Han, the highlight was wonderfully simple: sinking his teeth into a juicy sandwich after an exhausting day of competing. After all the focus and pressure on the line, sometimes a good meal among friends is the real reward.

Jennifer, meanwhile, couldn’t help but laugh recalling one of the team’s shooters happily munching on his fruit and taking a leisurely washroom break, completely unaware that his round had already begun. The best part? He still strolled back and calmly took his shot as though nothing had happened. It’s the kind of light-hearted moment that captures exactly why this group is such a joy to be part of.

Drawing the Next Generation In

Left: Justin Ho. Right: Justin Qwek

Win or lose, the SIT Archery Alumni Group walked away from NUS Indoors 2026 with something more lasting than any result on the scoreboard- a renewed sense of camaraderie and a shared commitment to keep showing up for one another. Their story is a heartening reminder that staying connected to our alma mater and to one another is one of the most rewarding things we can do after graduation.

Whether you’re into sports or simply someone looking to reconnect with fellow SITizens through a shared passion, there’s a place for you in our growing alumni community.

Discover the many SIT alumni groups and find your community here.

Photos courtesy of Gary Tey Wei Xun.