FAMILIES THRONG NS50 SPORTS FESTIVAL

National servicemen and their families were out in full force at the opening day of the "Get Active and Celebrate NS50" Sports Festival on 5 Aug. At the National Service (NS)-inspired obstacle course, many fathers cheered their little ones on as they helped them conquer obstacles like the Low Wall, Tyre Flip/Hop and the Singapore Civil Defence Force Ladder.

"We mainly wanted to bring the kids here for some fun. But the activities also help to show the next generation the national servicemen's contributions to the nation and express their appreciation," said Mr Yeo Yue Hui, who was there with his family and two young daughters. The 38-year-old was a C3 (Command, Control and Communications) Lieutenant from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, but has since completed his NS obligations and is now part of the Ministry of Defence Reserve.

Mr Yeo also took the opportunity to share his SOC experience with his daughters ahead of the carnival: "I told her some things (about the SOC) but I don't think she really gets it lah, she's still too young. Maybe after she's done it today, we can have more discussions in the future, and then she'll understand a bit more."

As for eight-year-old Haqkimi bin Azhar, the Flying Fox was the best part of the obstacle course. "My father brought me here. The Flying Fox is my favourite because I like to swing!"

His father Mr Azhar, 50, said: "I brought my son here because I wanted him to challenge his fears and know himself better." Like Mr Yeo, he had also completed his NS obligations, albeit with the Singapore Police Force.

Mr Azhar also reminded Haqkimi of the importance of keeping fit. "I told him that I used to do this (obstacle training) last time, so he needs to exercise more and not become like me - fat!" he said with a laugh.

Held at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh from 5 to 6 Aug, the Sports Festival was part of the NS50 Week celebrations to commemorate 50 years of NS and thank generations of national servicemen.

Participants showed their support for national servicemen by carrying little Singapore flags through the obstacle course and then inserting them on the art installation wall at the end to add to the "NS50 Pledge" art.

Activity booths showcasing various sports and static workouts also encouraged visitors to try out new activities and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

At the first day of the Sports Festival, the Singapore Armed Forces, Sport Singapore (SportSG) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). With this, the three partners aim to do more to promote sustainable fitness and a healthy-living culture for Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).

The MOU was signed by Chief of Staff - General Staff and concurrent Commander Training and Doctrine Command Brigadier-General (BG) Siew Kum Wong, SportSG Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Chiang Hock Woon, and HPB Insights, Innovation and Planning Division Director Dr Chew Ling.

It was witnessed by Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong, SportSG CEO Lim Teck Yin and HPB CEO Zee Yoong Kang.

"Fit and strong soldiers make for strong units and a strong SAF. This partnership with HPB and SportSG will give our NSmen more fun fitness activities they can undertake on their own time, beyond what the SAF already provides for today," said MG Ong at the signing. "This collaboration will also allow us to design and tailor fitness activities that NSmen can do with their families and friends."