TNP Big Walk 2014: Sun, Sheares and selfies

Eighteen thousand people got up at the crack of dawn yesterday to take a walk along the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, and they were happy to do it.

The reward they got for being part of The New Paper Big Walk 2014 was a stunning view that not everyone gets to see.

Accountant Lina Yap, 41, attended the walk with her husband and her seven-year-old daughter, and praised the sights from the bridge.

"I think that the scenery was the best part of the walk. My daughter was not very excited about the walk before, but her spirits rose when we started taking pictures," she said.

The view from the Benjamin Sheares bridge probably became the most photographed spot in Singapore yesterday, as thousands made full use of the soft, early-morning sunlight to show off their Sunday best.

The opening leg of the walk was pretty much a selfie-fest. Many walkers making their way up the bridge whipped out their smartphones, cameras and selfie-sticks in a quest to snap the perfect picture.

One group of walkers who made full use of the great view was Madam Wati, 36, and her family of nine.

It was the first time the whole family was taking part in the Big Walk, although Madam Wati had joined a Big Walk about a decade ago.

"It was a fun experience. We really enjoyed the scenery, and took countless pictures and selfies on the Benjamin Sheares Bridge of everything from the Singapore Flyer to the Gardens by the Bay."

Marketing director Nazlim Imram, 40, also said that it was a novel experience being on roads that are usually closed to pedestrians.

She said: "It gives people the opportunity to take photographs from exciting new angles."

Civil servant Mr Toh, 42, agreed: "The route takes us over the bridge that is normally closed and it is a nice place to take photos."

Mr Simon Leong, the vice-president of Singapore Turf Club's corporate services was equally impressed.

He said: "You cannot ask for a better route. To be given the chance to close the road and let 18,000 people walk this route is a wonderful thing.

"We are looking forward to an even bigger event next year."

A great turnout, great weather and all five lanes of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge to yourself - who could ask for more? All of us at The New Paper would like to thank our walkers and sponsors for making the Big Walk 2014 a great success.

This article was first published on December 1, 2014. 
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From all walks of life

One flew across oceans to be here, one pushed a wheelchair up a slope.

To ensure she gets quality time with her mother, Madam Chia Kwai Fun (left), 47, pushed her 83-year-old wheelchair-bound mother, Madam Ang, up Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

"She mostly spends her time at home, so the Big Walk was a good opportunity for her to go out and get some fresh air."

Pushing a wheelchair up a slope took effort, but it also brought out the best in Singaporeans.

Madam Chia said some Singaporeans helped her to push the wheelchair up when she encountered some difficulties.

She said: "I was really happy that they helped. It's not true that Singaporeans are not helpful and unfriendly.

"The spirit of togetherness was really evident throughout the walk, everyone was ready to lend a helping hand."

Another person who really got into the spirit of things was, Mr Govind Bommi, who works in the United States.

He was so excited about this year's Big Walk that he made special arrangements to return home just in time for the event.

The 67-year-old businessman flew back to take part in the walk with his wife and 15 family members from her side of the family.

He said: "I've driven on this road so many times, but this is the first time I'm walking on it. It's a new perspective and I think it's fantastic."

His wife, Madam Faridah, even customised a shirt for the entire family to wear during the walk.

CLOSE KNIT

The back of the shirt had the name of their family's Whatsapp group, Anak Kera, which means baby monkey in Malay.

The 53-year-old designer said: "We're a very close-knit family and we joined the walk to spend time together. Everyone was very enthusiastic about the event."

They were not the only family who took the opportunity to bond during the Big Walk.

Mr Steven Chua, 44, who works in sales, was at the walk with his wife and two children aged 16 and 10.

They took selfies along the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

He said: "We like to exercise together as it's a good way to spend time as a family. The scenery is an added bonus."

Mr Sunny Liew, 45, an engineer, was at the Big Walk for the first time with his wife and two daughters aged seven and 10.

He suggested adding more water stations along the way for children to hydrate, but said that it was a great event nonetheless.

He said: "The atmosphere is very energetic and it was an enjoyable experience for the entire family to complete the walk together."

His younger daughter, Reanne Liew, a pupil from Queenstown Primary School, added: "It was hard for me to wake up early this morning, but I ended up having a lot of fun."

This article was first published on December 1, 2014.
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