SINGAPORE (March 4, 2017) – Navy Region Singapore (NRS) joined with Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) and local community organizations to celebrate World Water Day (WWD) at Singapore’s Marina Barrage, March 4, 2017.
The annual event, held along Singapore’s scenic skyline, began at 8:30 a.m., and attracted more than 4,000 people from throughout the city-state along with 91 other WWD partners such as Golden Village, Changi Airport, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, WaterWays Watch Society and various elementary schools. This year’s WWD theme was, “Make Every Drop Count.” The theme supports the importance of community involvement in making an impact on water conservation.
“Each year World Water Day affords Navy personnel and tenant commands an opportunity to understand the challenges our host nation faces with respect to water quality, conservation, and security,” said William Davis, Environmental Director, Navy Region Singapore. “These challenges mirror the issues that we face as U.S. military personnel around the world.”
This year’s event featured multiple dragon boat races, a 2-km walk around Marina Barrage, and a kite making workshop hosted by the Singapore Kite Association. In addition, a performance by the Crestar Education Group’s Nuturestars band ensemble marked opening ceremonies. Having partnered with the PUB for the last seven years, NRS had the opportunity to be a part of a big grassroots effort to promote water conservation and community involvement. This year, the NRS participants formed a dragon boat team and competed against four other teams in races held throughout the day. The NRS team came in third place out of four other competitors in what was a fairly close race.
“The race went well,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cort Stringham, Public Works Officer, Navy Region Center Singapore. “The fact that we placed was a great reflection on the team’s willingness to become united. We did the Navy proud.”
Meanwhile, as part of the region’s participation with World Water Day 2017, Davis accepted a certificate of partnership at the Marine Barrage building. The certificate represents the continued efforts between the U.S. Navy and World Water Day in promoting water conservation and environmental awareness.
According to Davis, the region looks forward in participating in next year’s event with an emphasis in increasing water conservation awareness among the Sembawang military community.
“By understanding and facing a common issue, and achieving water conservation goals together, it can help us continue to develop strong relationships with our host nation and improve the quality of life for our sailors and civilians serving here in Singapore,” Davis said.
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