Singapore Area Coordinator’s Family Fun Day fosters community-wide camaraderie

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Veloicaza | SINGAPORE (Feb. 9, 2016) - U.S. Naval personnel held their 2nd Annual Singapore Area Coordinator Fun Day, Feb. 9, 2016, as part of a community-wide event sponsored by the First Class Petty Officer Association, Chief Petty Officer Association, Junior Enlisted Association and Morale Welfare and Recreation. The daylong event which began at 10 a.m. gathered more than 300 military service members, DoD civilians and families. Featured events included, a tug-of-war contest, a Sumo wrestling game, a pugil sticks warrior game, a Corn-Hole bean bag game, a water dunk tank game and a king-size air jumper. Participants also played a few rounds of kick ball. (Official U.S. Navy photo by Marc Ayalin)  

SINGAPORE

02.09.2016

Story by Christopher Veloicaza 

Singapore Area Coordinator

SINGAPORE – The 2nd Annual Singapore Area Coordinator (SAC) Fun Day was held at the Terror Club Sports Complex Feb. 9, 2016.

The daylong event, which began at 10 a.m., gathered more than 300 U.S. military service members, DoD civilians, and families and was made possible through the efforts of the Junior Enlisted Association, the First Class Petty Officer’s Association, the Chief Petty Officer’s Association and Morale Welfare and Recreation. The featured activities included a tug-of-war contest, a Sumo wrestling game, a pugil sticks warrior game, a Corn-Hole bean bag game, a water dunk tank and a king-size air jumper that kept the younger children busy for several hours. Participants also enjoyed a few games of kickball.

For U.S. Navy leadership, the annual event was a chance to bring the community closer together while increasing overall camaraderie in the community.

“Here in Singapore we truly are a family,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Richard P. O’Rawe, command master chief, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific. “It’s a small community that has the opportunity to take time off from the work day to enjoy their families and coworkers. Good quality of life equates to better quality of work.”

That sense of community was evident as members of the Chief Petty Officer’s Association grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for a hungry crowd. In addition, participants both young and old played a few sets of volleyball in the newly renovated sand volleyball pit at the Terror Club Sports Complex. Yet, it was the children who seemed to enjoy the different games and activities offered throughout the day.

"The pugil sticks game was super fun and reminded me of being a gladiator,” said 9-year-old Kainalu Szewczyk. “It was fun to get to whack and knock my little brother and my friend Bohdan off balance, but in a more safe way."

For the coordinator of this year’s annual event, the overall turnout during the entire day was very satisfying.

“This year, just as last year, we anxiously anticipate what the turnout will be,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Laneisha Tilton. “This year’s turnout was great thanks to a whole lot of support from the military community here.”

Meanwhile, with the success of this year’s annual event, community event planning leaders are already looking for ways to make next year’s event even more exciting.

“For next year’s event we are looking to have increased participation and will definitely look for community feedback on what they‘d like to see,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Dennis Long, the planning coordinator for next year’s SAC Fun Day. “Lastly, we look forward to a successful third annual event.”

• Date Taken: 02.09.2016
• Date Posted: 02.11.2016 01:37
• Story ID: 188542
• Location: SG