Big Walkers, here's your passport to the past

In another surprise first for the Jubilee Big Walk (JBW), a special passport will be given to all participants in the goodie bag for the Walk on Nov 29.

Conceptualised as a passport to rediscovery and rewards, the booklet looks and feels like a passport, save for the cover which has the official JBW logo.

Inside lies a wealth of intricate artwork of the landmarks along the 5km Jubilee route, along with brief insights into each site's history and its significance in Singapore's history.

The passport, sponsored by Myanmar National Airlines, was conceptualised and produced by Think Inc, a creative unit of The New Paper.

Think Inc's international award-winning artists did painstaking sketches of each of the 20 landmarks in a collaboration that took two months.

Co-chairman of the JBW organising committee, Ken Jalleh Jr, 58, said: "The idea is as much an entertaining, informative guide to the historic sights along the route as an interactive way for Walkers to have fun.

"We are very grateful to Myanmar National Airlines for financing the cost of the passport."

SPECIAL LUCKY DRAW

While the passport is a way to renew Walkers' appreciation for the landmarks that stand in testimony to Singapore's history, it is also a passport to fun in a special lucky draw at the Walk's end-point carnival at Gardens by the Bay.

Four of the 20 landmark pages in the passport have perforated edges. All Walkers need to do is drop the perforated portions into the boxes at the four respective landmarks.

The passport is one of many firsts for the Jubilee Big Walk.

Besides a goodie bag worth $880, participants also get a limited-edition commemorative medallion.

First-time Walker Michelle Tan, 38, an executive accountant, signed up for the Walk with her fiance.

She was drawn to the goodie bag, which has spa treats from Spa Infinity and Radiances Swiss. The passport was a pleasant surprise.

Ms Tan said: "It's interesting to have this commemorative passport because not everyone knows the history behind some of our landmarks. This passport will help us understand the background of some of these sites."

The value of the passport extends beyond the event so Walkers are encouraged to keep it to qualify for special shopping discounts in Singapore and abroad.

Details of the rewards will be announced later.