FAMILY FUN ON THE RUNWAY

A verbal agreement with his daughter some four years ago made him "the oldest fella at East Coast Park to learn inline skating" and he has been skating regularly ever since.

Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law Professor Jayakumar revealed this at the National Runway Cycling (NRWC) event held at the Paya Lebar Air Base on 3 Jun.

Prof Jayakumar, who saw some skaters whizz past his daughter and him at a New York sidewalk cafe, agreed to pick up the sport if she did. He said with a chuckle: "She picked it up and I've to keep my promise."

This year's NRWC, jointly organised by SAFRA National Service Association, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Singapore Sports Council, was held in celebration of National Family Week 2007.

NRWC 2007 also saw a brand new Endurance Challenge, which had cyclists covering a distance of 45km instead of the usual 30km, and inline skaters skating 15km more than the original 15km.

Applauding the idea of cycling and skating on a runway, Prof Jayakumar, who is a first time participant of NRWC, said: "I think this event organised by SAFRA is a great idea because usually those who want to cycle and skate do so in a limited number of places like East Coast Parkway, which itself is nice. But it's quite unusual for a runway closed for a while, specially for cyclists and skaters."

He added: "Singapore has a fast-paced lifestyle. We have to make time to get parents, children together, so I think it's a good idea."

Prof Jayakumar flagged off the event before skating with his family alongside the participants on the runway.

Some 7,000 people dropped by the air base with their stylish bicycles and zoomed around with their skates despite the sweltering heat. Ms Adelle Loo was one of those who turned up with her family and she truly enjoyed herself.

"Today's event is fantastic! It's good to see so many people get together so early in the morning," said the spunky 39-year-old.

"I think SAFRA should have more of such events in the future!"

Another participant who was enthusiastic about the event was the son of Madam Cynthia Phua, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC.

"I had a good time with my son," she said. "He had just started to cycle and this morning, he woke up at 6am just to wake me up to come for this event!"

"It's really a chance for family bonding."