2,000 seniors keep fit in largest tai chi mass display

Contributed by Karen Ho

Jurong East Sports and Recreation Centre, Saturday, July 10, 2010 — About 2,000 people set a record in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest mass Tai Chi display in Singapore.

This event marked the launch of the 13-step “Tai Chi for All” by the Seniors for Physical Activity (SPA) Committee headed by Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State (PMO). Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister (PMO) was the Guest-of-Honour for this event.

This new style of Tai Chi integrates moves from each of Singapore’s five Tai Chi associations into a simplified version, so as to encourage more seniors to learn Tai Chi.

Mr David Ong, BBM, Chairman of the People’s Association Active Ageing Council, said: “The simplified Tai Chi is a good entry-level exercise for seniors who might not be familiar with Tai Chi. We want to make Tai Chi accessible and allow them to try and practice Tai Chi with their friends and neighbours. Ultimately, our aim is to keep seniors active and bring people together.”

The Council will actively support the formation of Tai Chi interest groups through its Wellness Programme in the various constituencies.

One active Tai Chi practitioner who was at the launch event was Mr Chua Bak Tua, who is a Tai Chi Interest Group leader from the Bukit Panjang Wellness Programme. Mr Chua conducts his Tai Chi session weekly to more than 100 of his residents, and the group has been growing under his stewardship.

“Besides the health benefits, you will also enjoy the company of your friends who practice Tai Chi with you, rain or shine. It can be quite addictive,” Mr Chua quipped.

True to his statement, Mr Chua was not there alone. About 40 of his interest group members joined him at Jurong to be a part of this record breaking feat.