Channel NewsAsia 22 May 08;
SINGAPORE: The inaugural 'Family Day Out', which will be held this Saturday, has attracted an overwhelming response from the public. Over 40,000 people have expressed interest in taking part in the day's events.
On Thursday, families were given a glimpse of the programmes they can expect on that day, which include promotions and activities at family-friendly attractions such as Sentosa, Downtown East, Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari and the Singapore Zoo.
They can also expect some 300 family-oriented activities, programmes and promotions during the National Family Celebrations month from May 24 to June 28.
This year, 113 businesses and companies have decided to support the month-long event by offering special family packages, as well as leisure, travel and dining discounts.
The National Family Council had announced earlier that it would designate the fourth Saturday of May each year as 'Family Day Out'.
Lim Soon Hock, co-chair, National Family Celebrations 08, said: "This year, we are trying to raise the awareness on the importance of families, make Singapore a great place for families and children, and promote the notion that every one of us in Singapore must make the family a top priority."- CNA/so
Singapore's first-ever "Family Day Out"
Channel NewsAsia 24 May 08;
SINGAPORE: Saturday was Singapore's first-ever "Family Day Out".
Henceforth, every fourth Saturday of May will be designated as Singapore's "Family Day Out".
Saturday also marked the start of the month-long National Family Celebrations.
The event was launched by President S R Nathan and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Vivian Balakrishnan.
They later joined thousands of families at The Singapore Flyer.
Also present were more than 70 underprivileged families and the physically disabled from various voluntary welfare organisations.
As part of National Family Celebrations, organisers have lined up many programmes to encourage Singaporeans to spend time with their family.
These include free rides on The Singapore Flyer and special family packages at attractions such as the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park.
For more information on the special discounts, log on to this website.- CNA/ir
8,000 families participated in annual cycling, skating event
Channel NewsAsia 25 May 08;
SINGAPORE: It was not your usual sighting of planes and aircraft at the Paya Lebar Air Base on Sunday morning as more than 8,000 families took to the runway on bicycles and skates.
Into its 13th year, this annual National Runway Cycling and Skating event was flagged off at precisely 8.30am.
For many, it was a time for some good old family bonding as this year's national Family Day Out enters its second day.
Besides skaters and bikers whizzing along the runway, there were also go-cart enthusiasts burning up the tracks.
The event, jointly organised by SAFRA and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, is a platform to promote healthy and active lifestyle.- CNA/so
