Sports Festival receives huge

turn-up of 2,500
Community bonds as they exercise together, while enjoying themselves.

By Sadayan Muhammad Izzuddin 24 May 2015

Everyone turned up in red at Nee Soon Community Sports Festival 2015,

despite the hot weather, to bond with their neighbourhood.

Residents were greeted with various activities at the Community Sports

Festival 2015 at Nee Soon. The various activities included basketball, archery,
and a new sport introduced at this year festival; pole vaulting. Since its the
debut for pole-vaulting at this annual event, it received more attention
compared to the other activities that were present. Mr Alan Goh, the organizer
of the event, said, it is the first time pole vault has been brought to the
community level.

Joel, 16, a participant of pole vault, has been playing the sport since Primary
Six. He had taken up the sport after been talent scouted at Junior Sports
Academy and had been hooked on pole-vaulting ever since. During his time
with the sport, he sustained numerous injuries, including a stress fracture to

his back. These injuries did not hold him back but instead, he said, made him
stronger. He looks up to Ranaud Lavillenie, world number one pole-vaulter
and said he does it for passion. He is also very excited to watch the SEA
Games.

To compliment the sports activities, game booths and other smaller activities
were present to accomodate the less active participants. There was also a
police booth, which held games to identify suspects, helping residents stay
more vigilant. The police booth was decorated with bulletproof vests, police
shields, and many more, and residents were taught how to play the game.
These games helped people learn how to report crimes. Policeman Lim Kee
Seng, said the booths helped raise awareness as well. Residents can play a
part in their neighbourhood by helping to lookout for suspicious characters.

Residents also contributed in helping out with the event. The booths were
supported by the citizens-on-patrol. A participant, Eddie Tan, said he had
come to support and help out with the booths, as part as the citizen on patrol
team. He has participated in this event countless times and would not mind
doing it again. He said the reason he participated in this event is to spread
the message about scams happening around the neighbourhood, and is glad
to be helping out with the event.

However, the event received complaints from a few participants. They

complained that the event did not cater to the less abled and elderly
participants. Ms Doris Ng said, there should be more facilities and booths for

the elderly. Despite the complaints, the participants still enjoyed themselves.
Participant Zulkarnian said that this is first time he has been here and he is
proud to see his community bond.

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Father and daughter bonding through playing golf.

Kids enjoying themselves by drawing with their friends at one of the booths.