KEEPING FIT - ONE STEP AT A TIME

Army personnel at Depot Road Camp took time off to take part in a towering challenge held for the first time on 1 Dec.

As part of the Army Culture and Experience (ACE) movement to establish a positive experience for Army personnel, the National Service Affairs Department (NSAD) came up with the idea of the Twin Towers Challenge.

Colonel (COL) Tung Yui Fai, Head of NSAD, said another objective was to come up with an event in which civilian officers and ladies could take part as well. Since Depot Road Camp had two towers, Defence Technology Tower (DTT) A and B, the idea was conceived.

"We want to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle," said COL Tung. "People working here, who are mainly in service vocations, can have a healthy lifestyle too."

For many participants, the event proved to be a strenuous workout, especially in the competitive category where they had to race against time to climb the stairs at both towers.

"There was tremendous enthusiasm and we were surprised by the number of teams participating," said COL Tung.

A total of 20 teams took part in the competitive category. Another 350 personnel took part in the non-competitive category, where they had to race up and down the stairs of the 22-storey DTT B.

In the non-competitive category, Ms Yip Yin Teng of NSAD was the first lady to cross the finishing line in under 20 minutes.

"It came as a surprise to me really because I just kept pushing myself to the 22nd storey and then I ran down as fast as I could," she said.

In the competitive category, NSAD again showed the benefits of staying fit and healthy. One of their teams emerged as the champion.

"The feeling is great!" said Ms Jennifer Lee, the sole female member of the winning team. "I think everybody had the same mission, that is to win, as this is our signature event."

Ms Lee may have to start training again if she wants to retain her title next year.

"We may open this event to the rest of the Army next year," said COL Tung.

Are you keen? Start walking up the stairs today.