PUB celebrates World Water Day by introducing yoga by the water

Channel NewsAsia 22 Mar 08;

SINGAPORE: In its efforts to get more people to enjoy Singapore’s water bodies, the national water agency, PUB, has introduced ‘Yoga by the Water’.

And as part of World Water Day celebrations, it also recognised the contributions of five Singaporeans, who fought water pollution and wastage.

Some 250 enthusiasts participated in the inaugural event to mark World Water Day at Upper Pierce Reservoir and it proved to be a hit.

PUB said that besides introducing new activities, it also wants the community to enjoy Singapore's water bodies in a responsible manner.

And being responsible was what got five Singaporeans honoured for raising red flags against water pollution and wastage through various media.

One such recipient is 44-year-old housewife, Tay Bee Hui who noticed bluish water being discharged from a drain opposite her house.

She said: "At that time, my thinking was this is not normal water. So I put the picture up on Xin.sg to raise awareness about water pollution."

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor, said: "In terms of raising awareness about the importance of keeping our water clean, they have actually contributed significantly. We do appreciate such efforts.

“I think they are the extension - they are the eyes and ears for us on the ground. Obviously, we cannot be everywhere all the time, and therefore people like these who can contribute in terms of raising awareness, in terms of tip-off, it will help us in our aim to raise awareness about the important role of water, as well as the importance of keeping our water bodies clean."

The other recipients who clinched the award were Tan Keng Seng, Jeremy Chin, Yu Hin Mang and Teh Jen Lee. - CNA/vm

Celebrating World Water Day with mass yoga by reservoir

IT was yoga under the blue morning sky and by the waterside at Upper Pierce Reservoir this morning, with 200 participants stretching their way through a one-hour routine.
Hedy Khoo, The New Paper 23 Mar 08;

IT was yoga under the blue morning sky and by the waterside at Upper Pierce Reservoir this morning, with 200 participants stretching their way through a one-hour routine.

The mass yoga workout was organised by PUB, the national water agency, to commemorate World Water Day yesterday.

In addition, five individuals were welcomed into PUB's pool of Friends of Water, an initiative to recognise individuals and organisations who have contributed towards raising awareness about water.

They included Miss Teh Jen Lee, 28, a journalist with The New Paper, who had written an article last year about white paint polluting the water at Sungei Api Api.

PUB said her work was instrumental in helping them nab a contractor behind the pollution.

While she feels honoured by the recognition, Miss Teh said she had only been doing her job.

Of the mass yoga workout, she said it was a lovely idea to practise yoga close to the water.

But she had a reminder for the public: 'I hope that after such activities, there would be no litter left behind.'

GUEST OF HONOUR

Among the participants stretching in the morning sun was Dr Amy Khor, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, who was the guest of honour for the event.

Dr Khor said she usually runs for exercise and was trying yoga for the first time.

'It's special to do yoga for the first time with 200 people in such a beautiful setting,' she said.

Early riser Yet Tun Hoong, 30, a social worker who has been practising yoga for three years, said the setting was a nice change from the usual air-conditioned gym.

'It's a liberating feeling to do yoga in the open, with the fresh air and sun,' said Mr Yet.

'It is a little dirty, with the grass and dew on the ground, but it's all part of the experience and I enjoyed myself.'

Nature lover Millie Low, 41, a physiotherapist, said the setting by the reservoir was an ideal location for practising yoga.

'This spot is a little secluded, so there is no traffic noise, no barking dogs or screaming kids,' she said.

'It was hot at one stage, but it's the morning sun. The air is fresh and the peaceful environment is very conducive for yoga.'

Ms Low intends to gather a few of her friends and take her yoga mat along for more sessions of yoga by the reservoir.

'It's a refreshing change from the marathons I have participated in.

'I may not remember all the yoga positions taught today, but I will try to do my stretching anyway,' she said.