The Joy of Being There

On 1 October 2010, Dads for Life launched "The Joy of Being There Dads for Life contest". Dads throughout Singapore were invited to post about a moment with their child that had brought them indescribable joy. 110 fathers shared their joys and became role models and sources of inspiration to other men, and to over 24,000 visitors at the contest website.

• Antonius Sulimro commented on Grand Prize winner, Eric Goh's entry: Reading this made me realize another meaning for the role of a father. Great inspiration!
• David Chan commented on Gerald Chue's entry: You're the Dad I wish I had when I was a kid, but I'm sure all Dads love their kids in their own ways. However I do wish that more dads are like you these days.
• Partha Roy commented on Triston Yeo's entry: The above story has proved that you have a beautiful heart of dad and husband and today I came to know about your source of inspiration :)

Check out the contest highlights and view all contest entries.

Dads Come in Different Shapes & Sizes but They're the Best Dads for Life!

On 1 April 2010, Dads for Life launched "Dads come in Different Shapes & Sizes but They are the Best Dads for Life" Student Blog Contest. Students in Primary and Secondary Schools were invited to share about the joy that their father's presence brings to them.

More than 600 entries were received and fathers who had the opportunity to read their children's entries were moved by their sons and daughters' thoughts about them.

Illankathir Dandapani who is father of Sabariesh Illankathir (winner of Top 15 Prize in the primary school category), penned down these thoughts:

I vividly remember the day when my wife, with a beaming smile, asked me to read what Sabariesh wrote for a blog contest. It was about how he relates to me. I started reading it, with a prejudiced mind that this was another typical episode of a proud mother showcasing her son’s talent.

However, within moments, tears streamed from my eyes and I choked up. After I composed myself, I asked Sabariesh in a lighthearted manner whether I had indeed said those encouraging words to him. He firmly responded with, “Yes Daddy.”

Sabariesh added, “I always remember them as it really meant a lot to me.”

It made me very proud and deeply satisfied to hear that from my son... I consider it a great gift to be a father. (Continue reading Illankathir Dandapani's Dad Story)

Check out the contest highlights and view a gallery of children's drawings to their fathers on Facebook.