Contributed by SAFRA
Chin Shen Soon, 46, and daughter Alexandra, 10, will be taking part in this Sunday’s SAFRA AVVentura. (Photo courtesy of SAFRA)
Father-child bonding takes on a new twist this weekend at SAFRA AVventura 2011. For the first time, the x-terrain adventure race will feature 14 father-and-child teams in its newly introduced Dads for Life Challenge.
Contrary to the event’s renowned brand of uncompromising torture, the Dads For Life Challenge is aimed at promoting family bonding among NSmen and their kids through fun-filled challenges. However, that does not mean that it is going to be all too simple – it is an adventure race after all. Teams will have to compete together in various mystery challenges along a 6km race route which they will navigate on foot and bike.
For many of the participants, this is the first time competing in an adventure race. Chin Shen Soon, 46, has always had a passion for the great outdoors and most recently conquered the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Apart from pursuing his passion for adventure, he also tries to spend as much time with his family in the midst of his busy schedule, sometimes even bringing his family along on his work trips. For him, the Dads For Life Challenge seems to be the perfect opportunity to do both at the same time. He will be competing in the race with his 10-year-old daughter, Alexandra, and she is just as excited.
Alexandra said: “When I first heard about the SAFRA AVventura, I was quite excited as I have not done an adventure race before. It will also allow Dad and I to spend more time together.”
The teamwork between Shen Soon and Alexandra has already begun. In preparation for the race, the father and daughter pair has hit the hiking trails at Bukit Timah and have gone jogging and kayaking together.
“It is a good opportunity to introduce adventure racing to Alexandra in a safe environment,” commented Shen Soon. “The joy a parent gets from watching your children enjoy certain activities is priceless.”
Another sporty pair is also participating in an adventure race for the first time. Muhammad Hisham Dari, 39, frequently swims and cycles with his 11-year-old son, Mirza. He also spends his weekend mornings playing street soccer and basketball to bond with his two sons.
The excited father commented: “I have always enjoyed adventure and outdoor activities and constantly find opportunities to expose my family to these activities, but this is the first time joining an adventure race. I participated in the 10km SAFRA Singapore Bay Run last year and I was impressed with the way SAFRA organised the event, so I immediately jumped at the opportunity to bring my kid along for the Dads For Life Challenge. Weekends are precious to me. That is the time I play and spend time with my family.”
The Dads For Life Challenge will flag off from SAFRA Yishun Country Club at 9am on Sunday.
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