Racist Remarks Taint Inaugural Migrant Workers Bodybuilding Championship

Photo: ABPS, Facebook

An inaugural bodybuilding championship for migrant workers held on 26 February 2023 was marred by racist remarks from TikTok users. The MWC Bodybuilding Championship 2023 was organized by the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) to provide migrant workers with an opportunity to be involved in purposeful and fulfilling events. MWC is an advocacy group that has been championing the rights of migrant workers since 2009.

Photo: ABPS, Facebook

The MWC Bodybuilding Championship 2023 featured 38 participants from different dormitories who had found time to train outside of their 12- to 15-hour-long work shifts. The event took place at the MWC Recreation Club in Pioneer. It successfully showcased the talents and sportsmanship of migrant workers in Singapore.

[Insert original TikTok here https://www.tiktok.com/@abps_sg/video/7204642157238570242?_r=1&_t=8aE6BwpvdlR]

Despite the best intentions of the competition, the event's spirit was marred by certain netizens who made racist comments about the participants. A TikTok uploaded by @abps_sg was filled with discriminatory remarks.

Many joked about foreign domestic workers’ relationships with the migrant workers.

While others were just outright racist, using derogatory terms and even alluding to the body odour of the participants.

Yet, it is also heartening to observe that some netizens were quick to call out these racist comments.

Some netizens also praised the participants for productively spending their off days.

The MWC Bodybuilding Championship 2023 successfully showcased the talents and sportsmanship of migrant workers in Singapore. Despite the negative comments, the event highlighted the need to recognise and appreciate the contributions of migrant workers to society. With plans for the competition to continue annually and a fully equipped gym, migrant workers will have more opportunities to pursue their interests and engage in sports and social activities.