19 June 2011 – Dr Maliki Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development, was the Guest of Honour at SAFRA Tampines, to witness the inking of Dads for Life’s new two-year partnership with SAFRA, on Fathers' Day itself.

Dr Maliki and a young football phenom.

The partnership is the result of a natural fit between Dads for Life and SAFRA, as both organisations have in the past combined efforts to bring family-friendly events, such as the SAFRA Runway Skate and Cycle series and AVventura Team Adventure races, to dads.

Through this partnership, Dads for Life provides $700,000 to SAFRA, with the focus on building more family-oriented activities and enhancing existing events to underscore the importance of the father-child relationship.

Dr Maliki said, “Activities like today’s… show that we can create platforms for fathers and children to come together to interact and bond.”

Dr Maliki then presided over a symbolic jersey exchange between representatives of Dads for Life and SAFRA.

In an interview, Dr Maliki shared that he, too, faces challenges in finding time to spend with his children. As an example, Dr Maliki cited that though it was Fathers' Day, he had to go into the office because he was involved in its relocation. Nonetheless, he created an opportunity to be with his children by bringing them along. It was time well spent. He was also able to give them a glimpse of what he does professionally.

Mr Mathew Pereira, a member of the Fathers’ Action Network and Sports Editor for the Straits Times, said that the agreement between Dads for Life and SAFRA was one example of the Network’s ongoing effort to work with partners “who can help us reach men and fathers." 

Dr Maliki chats with some of the happy kids at the event.	Dads for Life's commemorative gift to SAFRA.

The big moment, as Dads for Life and SAFRA representatives seal the deal with Dr Maliki looking on.	Three cheers from two families at one happy event!

The fact that 1.12 million visitors have been through SAFRA's flagship Jurong Clubhouse in the Financial Year of 2010/2011, demonstrates the organisation’s attractiveness to men and their families.

Mr Raymond Howe, SAFRA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations, said, “With the funding...SAFRA will continue to build on its slate of family-oriented events to meet the increasing demand for family bonding activities...”

Dads can also look forward to events to such as Sprint Kids, Aloha Fiesta and Pedal Go-Kart Challenge, Camp @ The Float, Safari Treasure Hunt Challenge, and Playtime @ The Pool. In addition, there will be the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and SAFRA AVventura 2012.

These events will pave the way for dads and kids all over Singapore to create lasting and meaningful memories together.  

Have a look at the Fathers' Day Football Fest photo album which captures the signing of the agreement at SAFRA Tampines on Fathers' Day, 19 June.

About the Author: The Dads for Life Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.