INAUGURAL SAFRA PUNGGOL WATERWAY CHALLENGE SETS RECORD

At the inaugural SAFRA Punggol Waterway Challenge on 11 Jun, a record 122 parent-and-child pairs took part in an unique race on kayak, bike and foot along the scenic Punggol Waterway Park and Coney Island Park.

Called the Families for Life Challenge, the race that brought together many Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and their families earned a place in the Singapore Book of Records as the "Largest parent-and-child kayaking race".

Guest-of-honour Senior Minister of State for Defence and President of SAFRA Ong Ye Kung joined in the kayak segment of the race.

In all, over 400 NSmen and their families took part in the Challenge, which also featured a race solely for adults.

Bonding opportunities

Ms Kris Ho, SAFRA Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) noted that the Challenge was organised as part of the Ministry of Defence and SAFRA's plans to provide and meet the social and recreational needs of NSmen and their families.

"They can kayak, cycle, and run - these are new bonding activities," she said. "We wanted to provide opportunities for NSmen to spend quality time with their families and kids."

Designed to promote family bonding, the race requires parents and children to work together to tackle various obstacles.

Medical doctor Lim Kheng Choon, 41, who took part with his 10-year-old daughter Kyra shared his experience: "It's tiring, very hot, but very fun. (But) we encouraged each other and cheered each other on.

"The activities gives context to (the idea of) spending time together. It makes the whole thing a little bit more interesting," added the NSman engineer who holds the rank of Major at the Air Force Supply Base.

Popular clubhouse

SAFRA Punggol clubhouse has attracted over 150,000 visitors since its soft launch in April. Its most popular facility is the indoor water playground, which attracts an average of 2,400 children and parents daily, said Ms Ho.

Visitor numbers are expected to increase from 80,000 in May to over 100,000 in June, as more facilities commence operations.

Plans are under way to engage more members and their families.

Starting from this month, SAFRA Punggol will host cohesion events for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) units, allowing servicemen to enjoy a new range of activities such as cycling and other challenges at the Punggol Waterway.

The clubhouse, which currently operates a bicycle rental service, is in talks with the authorities to introduce a water sports facility later this year, to provide rental of equipment such as kayaks on a daily basis.

Holiday activities

Meanwhile, SAFRA Punggol, in collaboration with the Families for Life Council, has planned a line-up of activities throughout the June school holidays for NSmen and their families.

These include bungee-assisted trampolines as well as Formula One racing-inspired circuit-style workouts and race simulators.

In addition, with SAF Day approaching on 1 Jul, NSmen can look forward to a series of promotions on various lifestyle offerings from SAFRA. More details will be announced at a later date.

Visit www.safra.sg for more details.