Big Walk: More fun with a meaningful twist

THE countdown begins for you to seize a spot in the family fun walking event that has become a national event over the years.

Registration for The New Paper Big Walk 2012, limited to 18,000 spots, opens on Aug 9 at various convenient locations.

Mr Lim Boon Piao, 44, a quality assurance manager, intends to sign up early so that he won’t be left out.

He hasn’t missed the Big Walk event since 2006, when he first took part with family and friends.

Said Mr Lim: “My family is excited. We’ve been waiting for the Big Walk to return this year. Joining the Big Walk has become a family tradition for us.”

Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will go towards helping the elderly who live alone.

It will also be in support of the enviroment, and will feature a route that reflects Singapore’s past and future.

Mr Lim approves.

He said: “This year’s Walk will be a meaningful one because we get to have fun and do our part for the environment and also for the elderly.”

The Big Walk will be held on Sept 2 at 7.45am.

Be sure to register early. Last year’s Big Walk made history with more than a third of the 18,000 tickets snapped up on the first day of registration.

The first 500 to register at The Central (Clarke Quay MRT) will get a $5 voucher from the mall.

On Sept 2, Big Walkers will start off at The Central, walk along the Singapore River and visit historical landmarks along the way.

Big Walkers will get to enjoy first-hand an area that has seen a dramatic change in the past few years.

Straits Trading, with its iconic building in the heart of the financial district, is this year’s presenting sponsor.

Said Straits Trading’s chief executive, Mr Eric Teng: “To celebrate the 125th anniversary of our company, Straits Trading is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Big Walk.
“The Big Walk, with its heritage theme this year, is in line with our objective of celebrating our history, and remembering our legacy.”

Straits Trading started as a tin smelting company back in 1887 and now has several businesses, including hotels and properties.

The Big Walk route will end at the scenic Marina Barrage, where participants can be part of the Singapore G1 green carnival organised by the Singapore Environment Council.

Said Mr Lim: “I often visit the Marina Barrage, but it’s not the same when you’re not part of a mass event.

“It’s going to be a very different sort of atmosphere with plenty of photo opportunities.”

Big Walkers who turn up for the event in their exclusive limited edition T-shirt (worth $29.90) from Denizen qualify for a lucky draw and a special Bingo! game.

There are cash prizes, hotel stays, watches and a host of electronic goods to be won.

Mr Tan Chu Meng, 32, a technician, also plans to be among the first to sign up.

This will be his third Big Walk. Last year, he was first to register at the Gain City Ang Mo Kio showroom.

Said Mr Tan in Mandarin: “I plan to go early this year, too. I’ve been waiting for the registration to open.

“I think it’s going to be very exciting to have a mass walk along the Singapore River.”