News & Events 
20 June 2010
DadsforLife is proud to support the National Runway Cycle and Skate 2010 event, organised by SAFRA. Now in its 12th year, the annual event opens up the Paya Lebar Airbase (PLAB) runway to the public to cycle and skate.
For one glorious Sunday morning each year, cyclists and skaters take to the same tarmac that usually belongs to the Republic of Singapore's Air Force F16 fighter jets, C130s, AWACs and other well-known military airplanes.
It just so happened that this year, the popular event took place on Fathers' Day, and DadsforLife taxied in on the runway to bring you the sights and capture dads and their kids in full flight.
This story is photo intensive, so sit back and enjoy.
Preparing for Takeoff
The carnival atmosphere of the event spread out even to Airport Road.
Families dressed in their colourful sports gear came from all over Singapore, by any means available to them, just for the chance to get their wheels on the PLAB runway.
Of course, many of these families were led by none other than the stars of Fathers' Day... their fathers.
While some opted to cycle or skate, we also found dads who played a supporting role, like Mr Lien and his family, who were there to simply be present for their kids who wanted to cycle or skate. So how does a busy professional like Mr Lien, who believes in spending time with his kids, find the time?
He ponders our question for a moment and replies, "I don't really think about how. We just do (spend time together)." His is a family that regularly watches movies together and spends weekends in any good quality bonding activities, including just staying at home together.
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Mr Lien & his family came out in force to
support their eldest child.
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A father showing his young son the value of
planning ahead before a ride.
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On this blazing hot Sunday morning, more than 7000 participants turned up for the privilege to cycle and skate on the smooth runway.
We saw dads of all ages, shapes and sizes taking their kids on every imaginable human- powered wheeled vehicle, just to have a memorable family day together.
The event was also held in conjunction with the National Family Celebrations 2010, whose theme this year is the appropriately chosen: "Live, Love and Play. Together!" -a message that certainly resonates with DadsforLife!
As the DadsforLife team set wheels on the runway proper, even the emcee proudly announced to us at the starting line that he had two kids cycling on the runway. His kids must have made his duty in the sun so much more fun. Talk about the concept of a 'Take Your Children to Work Day'.
Going about on our rounds, we noticed great examples of dads enjoying wonderful moments with their kids, while actively encouraging them to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, physical exercise, nature and of course being part of a friendly, healthy crowd.
If anyone thought that Singapore dads weren't playing enough of a part in their kids' lives, being at this event would certainly encourage them to think otherwise.
Talking to dads as we gave out DadsforLife T-Shirts, we heard from the dads themselves.
A cycling enthusiast known simply as 'Man', told us that encouraging his sons to cycle meant that they would not be aimlessly roaming around, as there are few worthwhile youth-friendly diversions and past-times better than cycling in the great outdoors.
His son certainly looked like he relished the time alone with dad in the open.
Another dad had three kids in a firm grip as he provided the power for their cruise along the long runway. His kids' obvious joy caught our eye. When we approached the family, we asked his children if they thought that dad was a superman, and with their infectious smiles, they simply shouted out, "Yes!"
The humble father named Wai Yee received our T-Shirt with a friendly introduction and gracious smile. He gets our vote for superhero dad of this event. We look forward to seeing Wai Yee again next year with his precious kids in tow.
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Cycling dad 'Man' receives one of our
DadsforLife T-Shirts.
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A friendly dad introduced skating to his daughter to
impart healthy habits.
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"Dad, why does my bicycle have so many wheels?"
"Let me Google that for you... "
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He ain't heavy, at the end of this tether.
In fact, my son is as light as a feather.
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As we completed our 6 km route (the shortest available route for the day, with the longer routes set at 15 and 30 km respectively), we came across an expatriate dad with a toddler who was eager to get her wheels rolling on the runway as well. I personally could not resist the photo opportunity.
There were also photo opportunities galore for the dads and kids, as the RSAF was proudly displaying the new F15SG fighter jet, which looked impressive and imposing. It drew plenty of attention from the fighter aircraft afficionados in the crowd.
In the distance, four C-130 transport aircraft provided a decidedly macho and military backdrop to our carnival, transporting the operationally-ready men among us back to our days in National Service.
There, we caught up with more dads, who unanimously reported that they enjoyed this annual event regularly with their kids. Kudos then to SAFRA for organizing such a family-friendly function and making it better every year. As they say, numbers don't lie. From the early beginnings with just under 1,000 participants, this event certainly has gotten more and more popular and inclusive.
Back to business, and we headed off to the stage area after the skate, to catch up with the festivities and carnival games being held.
Apart from the catchy music and fun atmosphere, dads and their children were invited to team up and go on stage to play some fun block-building games.
For more photo coverage, click here to see our event album.
About the Author: The DadsforLife Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.
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