If you’re a parent in Singapore, you already know how jam-packed life can get — school runs, enrichment classes, homework, and trying to squeeze in just a little bit of quality time. Now imagine adding early-morning netball drills, weekend water polo training, and a sprinkle of martial arts into the mix. Sounds exhausting? Not for Ren Kai and his sporty family.
In fact, this is exactly the kind of rhythm they thrive on.
A former TeamSG water polo player turned Managing Director of Reddentes Sports, Ren Kai balances life as a business leader with being an ever-present, supportive dad to two daughters (ages 14 and 11). Both girls are deeply involved in sports — netball for both, water polo for the eldest, and wushu for the youngest — and the family bonds by moving, cheering, and learning together.
2007 SEA Games (Photo: Yip Ren Kai)
“We must go along with them and be the forever supporter of our girls,” says Ren Kai. And that’s a mindset many parents can learn from.
So how does this sporty family make it all work? And what lessons can the rest of us take away? theAsianparent sat down with Ren Kai to find out.
Building a Sporty Family Routine
It all starts with a structured weekend. While many families might lean toward slow Saturday mornings, the pace is very different in the Ren Kai household.
“Our day starts at 8am in the morning where the girls have netball training,” he explains. “As much as possible, when they are training, I would try to go to the gym… I just restarted training for water polo because we are competing at the upcoming World Masters Championships for aquatics.”
Yes, in this sporty family, it’s not just the kids who get active — dad does too.
Source: Yip Ren Kai
The girls’ weekends are typically filled with not just their main sport, but also strength and conditioning classes and speed-focused training. It’s a packed schedule, but one they embrace.
And even though it sounds intense, you don’t need to be a national athlete to start your own sporty family routine. Whether it’s signing your kids up for a beginner class at Active SG or taking a family walk after dinner, the key is building a rhythm that works for you.
How Sports Built Resilience in His Daughter
Every parent loves watching their kids win medals. But what happens when setbacks come?
One of Ren Kai’s proudest moments wasn’t about a trophy — it was about how his daughter handled injury.
Source: Yip Ren Kai
“She got injured during one of the trainings in school,” he recalls. “Rather than lying in bed, she actually took the initiative to do active recovery… And that was when she started water polo.”
Yes — an injury led to her discovering a new sport. And thanks to active recovery and cross-training, she actually came back stronger and faster.
This story is a powerful reminder of what sports really teach kids. It’s not just about winning. It’s about learning resilience, adaptability, and how to face life’s challenges head-on.
Ren Kai puts it best: “I keep reminding them that they have not reached their peak. There are ups and downs… these are all just part of the journey.”
Why Sporty Families Bond Over Food
With all this activity, one thing is certain: this sporty family works up an appetite.
“We actually do go out for a meal that helps them recover faster,” says Ren Kai. “We bond through food.”
During weekdays, they keep things simple with home-cooked meals. But weekends often involve family outings — sometimes to the bistro Ren Kai now co-owns. Unsurprisingly, their go-to order?
“They love the steak there,” he laughs.
Even if your kids aren’t training five times a week, family meals are an easy, accessible way to bond. Whether it’s after swimming lessons or just a fun day out, gathering around the table can turn any busy schedule into quality time.
Movie Nights, Formula 1, and How This Sporty Family Unwinds
Of course, life isn’t all about training and recovery. Downtime matters, too.
For the Ren Kai household, movie nights are a family favourite.
“Right now, we are re-watching all the Transformers series,” he shares. “They enjoy the graphics, the music… Transformers is our current go-to movie.”
Meanwhile, his older daughter has developed a love for Formula 1.
“As much as possible, we would catch the broadcast of the Formula 1 races.”
Again, the lesson is simple. Balance is key. Even the most active families need time to relax, laugh, and just hang out.
Why Early Sport Diversity is Key—And Why He Doesn’t Believe in Specialising Too Soon
Many parents today worry about whether they’re signing their kids up for the “right” sport — or whether they should focus on one thing early.
Ren Kai has a clear take on this.
Source: Yip Ren Kai
“It’s important that the parents do not restrict your kids to just a single sport. Early specialisation does not do any good for young kids.”
That’s why his daughters have tried a wide range of activities — basketball, football, floorball, and more — before settling into their current favourites.
The goal? To help them build holistic development, both physically and mentally.
“In terms of muscle development, in terms of sporting values, they are holistically developed,” he says.
So if you’re wondering whether to sign your child up for one more activity next term — go for it. The benefits of varied experiences far outweigh the pressure to specialise too early.
Raising Sporty Kids Without Losing Yourself
One of the trickiest parts of raising sporty kids? Knowing when to step back.
As a former national athlete, Ren Kai is very aware of this dynamic.
“I need to keep reminding myself that this is their journey and not my journey,” he says. “To expect them to do what I did is not the right thing to do… how do I be the ever supportive parent rather than trying to impose on them?”
Source: Yip Ren Kai
This is a powerful mindset shift for any parent. Being a sporty family doesn’t mean chasing trophies — it means supporting your kids as they grow into themselves, in sports and beyond.
And yes, his daughter dreams of representing Singapore one day — but that’s her goal, not his.
“The emphasis is not whether she gets there, but about her going through this journey and making sure she has the right sporting values.”
Where To Start If You Want a Sporty Family
Not every family needs to operate at the intensity of a TeamSG veteran. But if you want to nudge your kids — and yourself — toward a more active lifestyle, there are great options out there.
Ren Kai recommends starting with Active SG’s Active Parent page. “They promote all the different activities they have, especially during the school holidays,” he explains.
From canoeing and football to basketball and more, there are tons of beginner-friendly programs. Many are short-term and low-commitment, making them perfect for testing out new sports.
And remember, the goal isn’t about finding “the one sport” right away. It’s about helping your kids develop confidence, resilience, and joy in movement.
Why Every Singaporean Family Can Be a Sporty Family
You don’t need a background in national sports to build a sporty family. You don’t need fancy equipment or a packed weekend calendar, either.
What you do need is intentionality — carving out space for movement, embracing the ups and downs, and remembering that sports are about life skills first.
As Ren Kai wisely puts it: “Regardless of whether they achieve the end goal… the journey they have been on will carry them through life.”
So whether your family’s next step is a swim class, a nature hike, or just a game of frisbee at the park, why not take it?
Who knows — you might just become a sporty family yourself.
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