FAMILY TIME AT SAFRA'S RUN & RIDE

Despite the haze, some 5,500 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and their families turned up for the first SAFRA Celebration Run & Ride event in high spirits.

At the five-kilometre start point on the causeway to Sentosa Island, both young and old were raring to go. There was also a 1.5km route for families. After the healthy start to the day, participants got to enjoy unlimited rides at the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) theme park.

With both routes meandering through the theme park, familiar local cultural icons such as Samsui women and Kompang performers greeted participants of the 5km route.

"It was pretty fun to have people cheering us on along the route," said Corporal (CPL) (NS) Li Shaowen, who took his mother, Mdm Sally Neo, to the event and completed the 5km route.

"Though they (the organisers) advised us to walk instead of run, my mother and I decided to run anyway since the weather looked alright to us," said the 28-year-old who served his National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces Military Working Dogs Unit.

"I'll definitely take part again!" added Mdm Neo, 54, who works in a company dealing in car accessories. It was also her first visit to USS.

Organised by SAFRA and the Families for Life Council, the event aimed to bring families together and bond over a day of fun.

Said Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai, Vice President of SAFRA and Director National Service Affairs: "This event is among a string of activities and special promotions that SAFRA has rolled out this year to show our appreciation for NSmen and create more opportunities for them to bond and make lasting memories with their families and loved ones."

"It was a good walk with the entire family and it s good to have such events," said CPL (NS) Chow Kit Weng, 36, who took his family along the 1.5km route. He is an interior designer by profession.

It was also the couple's seventh wedding anniversary, and they decided to celebrate it with at the event with their five-year-old daughter, Carine. When asked if she had enjoyed herself, her reply was a shy "Yes!" accompanied by a grin.

Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim flagged-off the 1.5km route after running the 5km route. Also at the event was Mr Ching Wei Hong, Chairman of the Families for Life Council.

"Working alongside SAFRA, we hope to inspire even more NSmen fathers and their children to regularly set aside time to bond (as families)," said Mr Ching.

SAFRA members who signed up for, but could not attend, the event due to the hazy conditions can still enjoy admission to USS until 31 Oct. For more details, visit the official SAFRA site at www.safra.sg.