CELEBRATING FATHERS AS DEFENDERS OF HOME AND NATION

It was a fun-filled day for the whole family at SAFRA Jurong.

In celebration of Father's Day on 21 Jun, SAFRA held the sixth edition of its SAFRA Sprint Kids, an annual race event that aims to strengthen the bonds among Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and their families.

This year, to commemorate the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s golden jubilee and celebrate the role of fathers as defenders of the home and nation, SAFRA introduced a special SAF50 edition called the SAFRA Sprint Kids Xtreme.

Kids aged six to 12 took part in an obstacle course that was inspired by the SAF's Standard Obstacle Course (SOC). Participants had to overcome obstacles such as navigating over "stepping stones" made out of tyres, leopard crawling through a tunnel before making a final leap into a ball-pit "ditch".

Many NSmen fathers took the opportunity to share their own SOC experiences with their children who were participating in the race. Said Lance Corporal (LCP) (NS) Shahril bin Samad, whose son, Nur Irfan bin Shahril was first runner-up in the "Corporal's Sprint" (for boys aged eight to nine): "The obstacles are different from the ones I used to go through. But I managed to share some tips with him, for example, how to do the sideway walk (for dodging the panels). It's a good experience for him when he enters NS in future."

For the first time, families could also take part in the "Platoon's Challenge", a relay race for families of four. 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Samuel Yee, who took home the gold with his family, found the event very meaningful. He said: "We've been wanting to find an opportunity for family bonding, since we are always busy with work and studies, and this is the best time for the family to get together. It's also very meaningful as it coincides with Father's Day."

Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, Minister of State for Defence and Deputy President of SAFRA, presented the race winners with their medals and trophies. He was later joined by NSmen and their families in blowing out the candles on a special Father's Day cake. Children also received cupcakes to give to their fathers.

Wishing all fathers a happy Father's Day, Dr Maliki acknowledged the multitude of important roles that fathers in Singapore play.

"Many of our NSmen are fathers themselves. They have to juggle many responsibilities, caring and providing for their families and children, being role models to their children and employees. They also have to juggle their commitment to their NS duties. These are challenges that our NSmen as fathers face. They do this because they want to ensure a secure and bright future for their families," he said.

He added: "Events of this nature give us time to reflect that we do appreciate every father out there, we appreciate every NSman out there who is a father, and who wants to raise their children in a secure environment, and continues to perform duties to utmost best."

SAFRA deals for SAF Day

Dr Maliki took the opportunity to announce the SAFRA deals that would be rolled out to commemorate SAF Day on 1 Jul. The deals are extended to all SAF NSmen, and they will be able to enjoy the promotions by presenting their 11B cards.

On top of promotions from selected retailers, NSmen will also be able to enjoy deals such as free entry to SAFRA swimming pools, 50 percent discounts at SAFRA facilities, and special movie deals at Shaw Theatres.

More information can be found at www.safra.sg/safday.