[Event] Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2013!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
I was almost groaning when I had to crawl out of bed at about 6.30am this morning for the Slipper Race but on hindsight, it was an experience that I would treasure and make sure I register myself again for the following years!
So you might be thinking 'Hmm...what did you just say? Slipper Race?! What kind of a race is that?!'. Before we set you off on the wrong track, I would like to clarify that it was a non-competitive race and what made this different was that 100% of the registration fees went directly to the beneficiaries programmes! There were some minor hiccups during our group registration but we were pleased that the matter was attended by representatives of the Project Happy Feet promptly and everything else after was seamlessly smooth sailing including this morning's race!
Essentially, Project Happy Feet is a Singapore-based not-for-profit organization set up to empower the lives of underprivileged youths and children in developing countries by supporting their education and training through fund-raising for education-related initiatives and programmes that positively impact them or their families. Conceptualized in 2007, this was the third year this event was conducted and it had supported more than 4,000 children and youth in Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal through its programmes each year.
We arrived at about 7.30am and while I was the grumpiest among the three of us, we were soon piqued up for the 4km 'Slipper Walk' with all the energy bustling around us!
So you might be thinking 'Hmm...what did you just say? Slipper Race?! What kind of a race is that?!'. Before we set you off on the wrong track, I would like to clarify that it was a non-competitive race and what made this different was that 100% of the registration fees went directly to the beneficiaries programmes! There were some minor hiccups during our group registration but we were pleased that the matter was attended by representatives of the Project Happy Feet promptly and everything else after was seamlessly smooth sailing including this morning's race!
Essentially, Project Happy Feet is a Singapore-based not-for-profit organization set up to empower the lives of underprivileged youths and children in developing countries by supporting their education and training through fund-raising for education-related initiatives and programmes that positively impact them or their families. Conceptualized in 2007, this was the third year this event was conducted and it had supported more than 4,000 children and youth in Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal through its programmes each year.
We arrived at about 7.30am and while I was the grumpiest among the three of us, we were soon piqued up for the 4km 'Slipper Walk' with all the energy bustling around us!
There was no lack of energy with the cheer-leading action at the stage!
Offering you a sneak peak...
This group of participants was probably one of the most vibrant and spontaneous bunch!
All ready for the flag-off!
Prior to coming for this event, we read that Woody from Ben & Jerry's could be spotted somewhere...
There they were! We were lucky enough to be given a small tub of complimentary B&J ice-cream each!
Then we ran into the Team Singapore mascot!
(Nope, we are not the ones in the picture)
It was really just an enjoyable morning brisk walk in our slippers down the scenic East Coast Park and it was particularly reminiscent considering it had been years since I last step foot to this part of Singapore!
Some really sporting 'Happy Feet' participants!
You know the saying always goes that 'happy times pass real quick' and it was true but on a rather sad note for we would love to continue walking an extra mile or two!
The green Crocs mascot!
It was certainly a fun-filled morning packed with activities and we left with some memorabilia. A special shout-out to all the organizers, volunteers and participants who made the difference and surely livened up our grumpy moods and morning! One of the reasons why I have a penchant for thoughtful events such as the Project Happy Feet Slipper Race was the simple fact that I knew my registration fees and payment for souvenirs went to a good organized charity which would subsequently benefit the needy youths and children.
Any readers reading this would probably had walked 4km or more while questing to fulfil their shopaholic desires and traits but it was on a day as such that I got down to reflect that there were plenty of under-privileged people on the other side of the world. As such, we marched past that 4km mark and continued the rest of our journey for today on feet and yes, in our flip-flops.
I am going to leave you all with that as some food for thought, have a brilliant weekend!
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