HAVING A "WHEEL" GOOD TIME ON FATHER'S DAY

Beautifully wrapped gifts and dinners at fancy restaurants are usually how most families celebrate Father's Day. For more than 7,000 people, however, these celebrations began from as early as 7 o'clock in the morning at the National Runway Cycling and Skating (NRWC) event on 19 Jun.

Now in its 15th year, the annual event saw a huge turnout, with participants prepared for "take-off" at the Paya Lebar Air Base runway on bicycles, skates, uni-cycles and even baby strollers.

Cycling enthusiast Mr Arman Hashim was with his 13-year-old son to enjoy their favourite sport and bond as a family at the same time.

When asked why he has been faithfully attending the cycling event for over 10 years, Mr Arman replied readily: "It's for leisure and health, and of course, to have a good time together with my family."

His son Dinie Fitri chimed in excitedly: "It's a special day for him, and this is the best way to celebrate. Plus I'm hoping he'll buy me more bicycles!"

Jointly organised by SAFRA National Service Association and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the NRWC aims to promote family bonding among National Servicemen and their families. This year's event was also held in conjunction with the National Family Celebrations.

Said Lieutenant-Colonel Archie Ong, Chairman of the NRWCS Organising Committee and Commander Pata Lebar Air Base: "We are pleased to open the runway at Paya Lebar Air Base for members of the public to engage in healthy and family-oriented activities together such as cycling and skating."

"Seeing the participants having a great time at the base makes our efforts in organising the event worth it. With the event held on Father's Day, it was certainly a good opportunity for families to spend quality time together and celebrate the occasion."

Besides the unique chance to ride or skate down an aircraft runway, visitors were also treated to a variety of exciting games and performances, from lively cheerleading acts to gravity-defying stunt bike and skate performances. Themed "Retrotastic Dad", the carnival section also featured 10 traditional childhood games, where visitors had a blast from the past with nostalgic games from yesteryear such as Hantum Bola, Snake and Ladder and Pick-up Sticks. For Mr Koh Pak Keng and his family however, the biggest attraction was the F-15SG static aircraft display."They had the F-16 display last year, and we were definitely hoping to see the latest aircraft this time round, so it's great that the RSAF brought it out for the public to get a closer look," he said. "The planes are a big thing for my boys, and it's a fun experience for them," added his wife Evina Ang. "We've attended the NRWC in previous years, and we'll definitely be back again next year."