AAS Marina Barrage Big Walk – 24 September 2011

 
More than 300 members from 33 different alumni associations, registered for the AAS Big Walk at the Marina Barrage. On the morning of Walk on 24 September, the turnout of participants was less, possibly affected by the Formula One Race road closures. However, for those who came with family members – spouse, grandparents, parents and children, they were rewarded with a glorious morning of aerobic activity besides family and alumni bonding.

AAS President Mr Loh Hoon Sun welcomed Guest-of-Honour HE Doug Chester, Australian High Commissioner and AAS Patron, and his wife, Lyn and all participants. He also thanked the Organising Committee headed by Macquarie University’s Mr Jude Yue and assisted by Ms Alicia Lim for their hard work, and the generous sponsors, CPA Australia for the caps,SMaIHL for the bottled water and Dr Kelvin Chan for the paramedics and ambulance standby.

At 9 am, HE Doug Chester flagged-off the Walk with an air-horn before joining in the scenic walk around the roof of the Marina Barrage, across the link bridge connecting the Gardens-by-the-Bay and back to the starting point by re-tracing the same route. As work at the Gardens-by-the-Bay was in progress, participants had to make a U-turn at the end of the bridge. Along the way, HE Doug Chester obliged participants with photo-shoots. It was indeed a relaxing and leisurely stroll for the majority. Gentle breezes blew as the sun partially hid behind the clouds, allowing shutter-bugs to capture the beautiful Singapore skyline on the return leg of the journey.

By 10 am, all participants were back at the starting point to enjoy the simple brunch spread and more fellowship with one another. “Will this be an annual event?” some members asked. Most likely, with members’ continued support and participation!

Peggy Tan

Vice-President, AAS