SINGAPORE – A birthday surprise like no other!

At the first Sports and Wellness Carnival held on October 5 in Hougang Street 61, young Nolen Ang, who celebrated his 11th birthday on October 6, got an unexpected thrill when Prime Minister Lawrence Wong appeared at the event. While engaged in a game of pickleball, Nolen seized the opportunity to showcase a video of his gameplay on his tablet, to which PM Wong enthusiastically joined for a brief five-minute match, leaving Nolen delighted.

"I was a bit nervous at first, but he was very nice and friendly," said the Primary 5 student from Xinmin Primary School, his excitement palpable as he shared photos from his special encounter on WhatsApp with classmates and friends.

The carnival attracted around 1,000 participants, with various grassroots leaders and MPs, including Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and MPs Darryl David, Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Gan Thiam Poh, Ng Ling Ling, Henry Kwek, and Yip Hon Weng, present to promote active ageing and a healthier lifestyle amongst residents.

During his address, PM Wong expressed his pleasure in witnessing the engagement of Ang Mo Kio's mature community. This visit marked another of his constituency visits since taking office about five months prior, following trips to other districts such as Tampines and Punggol.

"Singapore is a small place but everywhere you go, there’s always something special," he remarked while acknowledging the unique flavor each district brings. He emphasized the importance of community spirit, stating, "It’s not about the buildings… but about the people."

Looking towards the future, PM Wong acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the opportunities that lie in pursuit of greater heights.

As part of his engagement, PM Wong also took time to walk through Hougang Village, mingling with residents, capturing moments through photographs, and shaking hands.

The carnival offered an array of activities, including stretch band exercises and chair aerobics, especially designed for seniors. Also highlighted was the newly formed Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Community Sports Network's (CSN) pickleball interest group, launched in May. Nolen, being the youngest member, often plays the sport with his mother, Annie Tan, who is the coordinator of the group.

At the event, Nolen not only enjoyed activities with peers but also engaged with seniors like Madam P. Manoranjitham, a spirited 76-year-old retiree who champions the benefits of pickleball for seniors due to its low-impact nature.

MP Darryl David highlighted the dual purpose of such carnivals: promoting physical activity while fortifying social ties among residents. With approximately 20 percent of Ang Mo Kio GRC and neighboring constituencies consisting of seniors aged 65 and older, he conveyed a vision for more multi-generational fitness and wellness centers.

Additionally, community-driven initiatives were on display, like Team Trident’s dragon boat interest group that conducted a charity drive, collecting 700 kilograms of rice for families in need. The unique "row to donate" initiative allowed participants to contribute by rowing on machines, with every 100 meters rowed translating to 1 kilogram of rice sponsored by grassroots leader Png Yiow Beng.

Nolen's extraordinary birthday topped with a cherished memory, coupled with the community's spirit, made the carnival an event to remember. What could be more exciting than a day full of sports, community bonding, and a heartwarming interaction with the Prime Minister?