sports

Grand Prix 2024: Family Fun at Singapore’s Biggest Event

Nadya Sharfina · September 18, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Prepare for an incredible 10-day celebration as Singapore buzzes with the Grand Prix Season from September 13-22, 2024—featuring racing thrills, entertainment, and fun for the whole family!

Get ready for an amazing experience as Singapore prepares for one of its most exciting annual events! The Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) is scheduled to take over the city from September 13 to 22, 2024. This ten-day festival offers nonstop racing-themed activities.

The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024 is the season’s highlight, taking place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from September 20th to 22nd. Throughout the GPSS, Singapore will be alive with activities ranging from exciting nightlife and engaging entertainment to numerous retail selections and delectable eating experiences.

Families can also join in on the excitement, as we’ve curated a range of events that are perfect for kids. Don’t miss out on the race-themed restaurants that offer a unique dining experience to complement the high-octane atmosphere of the Grand Prix.

1. Family Activities, Attractions and Tours

This year, the city is full of race-themed events and experiences that will attract both children and adults. There are plenty of interactive displays and entertaining activities for the entire family to enjoy.

POP-UP in the Museum

During the GPSS, the POP-UP at the MINT Museum of Toys is a must-see family-friendly attraction. This special event runs from August 30 to September 22 and includes thematic guided tours, engaging workshops, fascinating exhibitions, and a variety of food, beverage, and shopping experiences.

One of the standout highlights is the Vintage Racing Toy Cars Guided Tours. This exhibit showcases rare toy cars from the 1930s to the 1970s, including the eye-catching Astro Boy Ferrari Sigma Grand Prix Show Car. It’s a wonderful opportunity for your kids to explore these classic models, and best of all, the tour is free for up to two children aged 7 to 12 when accompanied by an adult.

For a hands-on experience, the Racing Car Craft Workshop is a fantastic choice. Designed to be environmentally friendly, this workshop uses recycled wood and is open to children aged 5 to 12. Kids will learn about car parts, mechanisms, and automotive history while crafting their own racing cars. Participants will get to take home their creations, and you can even get your hands on a Retro Grand Prix Board Game from 1958.

LEGO Technic Grand ‘Brix’

For a fun and interactive family experience during the GPPS, don’t miss the LEGO Technic Grand ‘Brix’ event. Running from September 13 to 22, and open daily from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.

One of the main attractions is the life-sized LEGO replica of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance model. Crafted from an impressive 192,937 LEGO bricks over 2,428 hours by a team of 15 model builders, this replica measures 5.1 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width—making it eight times the size of the LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance set (42171). It’s a breathtaking display that demonstrates the precise detail and workmanship of LEGO construction.

Visitors can also put their racing skills to the test at various interactive stations throughout the pop-up. For those who excel, the top three fastest players will have the chance to win the 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull Back set. Fans may also experience the thrill of racing with LEGO Technic sets geared toward various age groups. The 42171 set is suited for people aged 18 and above, whereas the 42165 Pull Back set is ideal for youngsters aged 7 and up.

Build Your Own Chocolate Race Car Workshop

Enjoy a delicious family experience at the Build Your Own Chocolate Race Car Workshop, hosted by Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, located at Dempsey Factory. This workshop, held on September 14 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, provides a unique opportunity for children and adults to make their own chocolate race cars.

The class is an educational experience in which participants learn about the history of chocolate and how to recognize high-quality cacao beans. It’s a fun and instructive introduction to the world of chocolate production.

The workshop costs $75.00 and is recommended for children aged 7 and above. As sessions are scheduled, please attend on time to make sure an uninterrupted session for everyone!

2. Family Restaurants and Cafés

Whizz Wonderland is a must-see for families wishing to fuel up for the Grand Prix festivities, running from September 13 to 22. This exciting venue isn’t just one café but an entire group of them, all featuring a fun race car theme that kids will adore.

With its open garden and playful décor, including a kiddy cart, Whizz Wonderland is perfect for families looking to enjoy a meal in a lively setting. Check out the cafés available:

The Alkaff Mansion

Make sure to visit Wildseed Café in The Alkaff Mansion, which is located in Telok Blangah Hill Park. This beautiful café has a special GPSS-themed High Tea Set that is ideal for sharing with the family.

Enjoy a variety of dishes, including garden aglio olio, Spanish chorizo pizza, and spatchcock chicken. The children’s menu includes pancakes, macaroni & cheese, chicken burgers, and chicken nuggets. Don’t miss out on their freshly baked cakes and luscious pastries for a sweet ending to your meal.

The café also adds a touch of fun with its kid’s car race and if you visit any two Wildseed Café locations, you’ll receive a complimentary cake of the day. Wildseed Café at The Alkaff Mansion is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last order at 4:30 pm.

The Summerhouse

Wildseed Café at The Summerhouse is also a must-visit. From September 1 to 30, they’re offering a special GPSS-themed High Tea Set.

Throughout the month, the café will serve its Fish Burger & Fries Month-Long Special, as well as a tasty Tempura Fish Burger. For added entertainment, on September 22, they’ll hold the Tamiya Race Car Track, a fun event where children may participate in the racing action. Diners who present their GPSS tickets will receive a complimentary Long Black or Latte coffee.

The Garage

Bee’s Knees at The Garage is a perfect spot to unwind. The café is known for its Race Course play area, where kids can run around and have a blast while parents take a breather and enjoy some delicious food. The atmosphere is lively, with live music adding to the overall vibe.

On the menu, you’ll find favorite dishes like Laksa Prawn Pasta, Spicy Duck Loaded Fries, and the refreshing Veggie Goat Salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the Enchanted Pistachio & Pear Cake is a must-try.

Open daily from 8am to 10pm, Bee’s Knees is the perfect destination for a family outing during the Grand Prix season, which runs from September 13 to 22.

3. The Formula 1 Race

Now, let’s dive into the main event—the F1 race weekend. The Singapore Grand Prix offers a range of ticket options, from one-day to three-day passes. For those seeking a premium experience, luxe hospitality packages provide access to air-conditioned lounges such as The Vista Suite, Torque Lounge, and Sky View Pavilion. These packages elevate the F1 experience with exclusive views and top-tier amenities.

If you’re not searching for a hospitality package, you can still watch the race from some of the city’s best hotels and rooftops. Popular places include the Mandarin Oriental, InterContinental Singapore, Esplanade Roof Terrace, Marina Bay Sands, and Swissotel The Stamford, all of which provide excellent views of the activity.

Make sure to check the full F1 event schedule to plan your weekend here. Aside from the race, the entertainment lineup includes more than 100 hours of performances. OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Disclosure (DJ), The Corrs, Kool & the Gang, Tones & I, BABYMONSTER, and HONNE will perform, with new additions including American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, Indonesian heavy metal band Voice Of Baceprot, and Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

As for tickets, three-day general passes have already sold out, but single-day tickets are still available here. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there are very limited hospitality tickets left in selected categories. Don’t miss your chance—grab your tickets and enjoy an unforgettable weekend!

Paris 2024 Olympics: History, Singapore Athletes, and Where to Watch

Nadya Sharfina · August 2, 2024 · Leave a Comment

"The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to dazzle from July 26 to August 11, featuring over 10,000 athletes and showcasing Singapore's talent with 23 competitors across 11 sports."

The Olympics are back! Officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and branded as Paris 2024, the tournament will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024. With over 10,000 athletes from 206 countries competing in 32 different sports, this year’s Games promise to be a spectacular showcase of athleticism and talent. Singapore is joining the action with a team of 23 athletes who will be representing the nation across 11 different sports.

The history of the Olympics

The Olympics have a rich history that dates back to ancient Greece. Originally part of a religious festival honouring Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, these early Games were held in Olympia, a sanctuary named after Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. This site was considered the dwelling place of the most powerful deities in Greek mythology.

The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC and continued every four years for nearly 12 centuries, from 776 BC until 393 AD. During this period, the Games were exclusively staged in Olympia, and only male citizens of Greek city-states were allowed to compete.

After a long pause of 1,503 years, the Olympics were revived with the first modern Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. This revival was spearheaded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who proposed the idea in 1894. The Olympic Flame, a symbol introduced in the 1928 Amsterdam Games, was a new tradition, though the ancient Games did not feature a torch relay. The modern torch relay began at the 1936 Berlin Games, adding a ceremonial touch to the event.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Summer Olympics will be hosted in Paris, France, across 41 venues. Surfing will take place in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, showcasing the global nature of the Games. The Paris Games will feature a broad range of traditional sports, including gymnastics, athletics, fencing, archery, badminton, and table tennis. Additionally, four non-traditional sports will make their mark: skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking (break dancing), with breaking making its Olympic debut. Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing were first introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Singapore Athletes at the Olympics

Singapore is continuing a tradition that began with its debut at the 1948 London Games. Since then, the country has participated in every edition of the Games, with two notable exceptions: in 1964, Singapore competed as part of the Malaysian team in Tokyo, and in 1980, it joined the boycott of the Moscow Games in support of the United States.

This year, Singapore’s delegation will be led by former Olympian and sailor Tan Wearn Haw, who has been chosen as the Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Games. The team will feature a mix of veteran athletes and promising newcomers, with 23 athletes set to represent the nation. Shanti Pereira and Ryan Lo have been honoured with the role of flag bearers, symbolising the pride and spirit of Singapore as they march into the Olympic arena.

How to Watch the Paris 2024 Olympics and Key Dates

To catch all the action of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Mediacorp will be your go-to source, offering 14 channels of coverage. You can follow daily broadcasts on Channel 5 and stream events on MeWatch. The focus will be on Team Singapore athletes competing in various sports, including swimming, table tennis, and badminton.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key events featuring Singaporean competitors:

July 30

5:00 PM: Equestrian Individual Dressage with Caroline Rosanna Chew
5:15 PM: Swimming Men’s 100m Freestyle with Jonathan Tan
5:44 PM: Swimming Women’s 1500m Freestyle with Gan Ching Hwee

July 31

1:30 PM: Badminton Women’s Singles with Yeo Jia Min
5:00 PM: Swimming Women’s 200m Breaststroke with Letitia Sim

August 1

1:30 PM: Badminton Men’s Singles with Loh Kean Yew
5:15 PM: Swimming Men’s 50m Freestyle with Jonathan Tan
6:15 PM: Sailing Men’s Dinghy with Ryan Lo

August 2

3:00 PM: 25m Pistol Women’s Qualification Precision Shooting with Teh Xiu Hong
4:35 PM: Athletics Women’s 100m with Shanti Pereira
5:35 PM: Swimming Women’s 800m Freestyle with Gan Ching Hwee

August 3

4:35 PM: Athletics Men’s 100m with Marc Brian Louis
6:45 PM: Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay featuring Levenia Sim, Letitia Sim, Gan Ching Hwee, and Quah Jing Wen

August 4

4:55 PM: Athletics Women’s 200m with Shanti Pereira
6:15 PM: Sailing Men’s Kite with Max Maeder

August 7

3:00 PM: Golf Women’s Individual Stroke Play with Shannon Tan
3:30 PM: Canoe Sprint Women’s Kayak Single 500m with Chen Jiexian Stephenie

For the complete competition schedule, be sure to check out the full listing here.

5 Exciting Sports for Kids and Teens in Singapore

Nadya Sharfina · June 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Childhood and teenage years should encompass more than just studying. Singapore offers a world of exciting sports and activities, fostering joy, skills, and unforgettable experiences beyond the classroom."

Singapore is full of exciting sports and activities for kids and teenagers to try out. Child or teenhood should not be just about studying, should it? There is plenty of excitement and enjoyment to be found outside of the classroom. We have compiled this list of five must-try sports and hobbies that will not only make kids happy but also teach them life skills. So, let’s explore the world of sports and activities and uncover the amazing experiences waiting for your kids!

1. Kinetics Climbing

Kinetics Climbing is a Singapore-based indoor climbing gym. If you enjoy climbing, this is a great spot to visit! It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert because they offer walls and trails with differing difficulties to climb on.

Kids can try out various styles of climbing at Kinetics Climbing, such as top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering. The staff ensure that everything is safe and under control, so kids can enjoy themselves without fear. Classes and workshops are on offer here as well.

Aside from climbing, Kinetics Climbing also offers fitness equipment at a store where you can buy climbing gear such as harnesses, ropes, rigging and pulleys. They often hold fun events and competitions for climbers to participate in.

2. Combat Skirmish Laser Tag

Photo by Combat Skirmish Laser Tag on Facebook

Combat Skirmish Laser Tag is a fun-fused laser tag game in Singapore that even parents can enjoy playing with their kids. It’s like a video game, but in real life! Laser tag is all about teamwork and using special guns that shoot harmless infrared rays to tag opponents and score points.

Combat Skirmish Laser Tag includes a variety of game modes and settings to keep things interesting. Kids can play on either open fields or indoor arenas, each with its unique layouts and challenges. You will be geared up with laser tag guns with sensors that detect when you hit someone and maintain a score.

Laser tag is accessible to all ages! You can join in the fun no matter how old you are. It’s ideal for hanging out with friends, having fun with family, or participating in team-building activities. You’ll learn how to create plans, work as a team, and communicate to defeat your opponents and fulfil the objectives.

If you want to play Combat Skirmish Laser Tag, you should make a reservation and go to the location specified in Sin Ming Ln, Midview City. The staff will explain the regulations, provide you with the necessary equipment, and ensure that you understand how to play. Remember that safety is essential, so always follow their rules to have a great time while being safe.

3. Superfly Monkey Dragons

Video by Superfly Monkey Dragons

Superfly Monkey Dragons is a group that offers training, workshops, and events all about parkour, freerunning, and movement culture.

Have you ever seen those videos of people jumping and flipping through cities? That’s parkour! It’s a sport where you use creative and efficient moves like running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting to navigate urban environments. Freerunning is like an advanced version of parkour. It adds acrobatic tricks and lets you express yourself artistically while doing cool moves.

The Superfly Monkey Dragons invite everyone to be a member of their amazing community. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how proficient you are at parkour – they accept everyone! They have customised programs and seminars guided by expert coaches who ensure you learn securely.

Superfly Monkey Dragons also organise gatherings and activities to bring people together. They want to create a strong community and showcase the talents of their amazing practitioners. They occasionally collaborate with other groups to compete and perform in competitions and shows in Singapore and around the world.

4. Z Fencing

Z Fencing is a popular fencing academy in Singapore. They provide workshops and training programs for those interested in learning how to fence.

Fencing is similar to sword fighting. However, it is a sport that employs three types of swords: foil, epee, and sabre. Everything comes down to skill, strategy, and quick thinking. Fencers compete by wearing unique gear and using special equipment. You earn points by making valid touches on your opponent.

Z Fencing is all about providing you with excellent coaching and training. They have experienced trainers who will teach you the proper techniques, footwork, and tactics to help you become a great fencer. They provide group courses as well as personalised training, allowing you to learn at your own speed and enhance your skills.

Z Fencing also focuses on character and values development. They teach you how to be disciplined, to be a good sportsman, and to never give up. They believe in kids becoming not only competent fencers but also well-rounded individuals.

Z Fencing occasionally competes in contests both in Singapore and around the world. This allows fencers to demonstrate their abilities and gain experience in the sport. If you want to learn more about fencing athletically, check out the story of Singaporean fencer Amita Berthier, who became the first Singaporean to win a Junior World Cup title.

5. Changi Sailing Club

Photo by Changi Sailing Club on Facebook

Changi Sailing Club is a club that focuses on sailing and water activities. It’s near Changi Beach and has a thriving sailing community. Programs and courses are available for people of all ages and ability levels. Kids can progress from beginner to expert sailor. They have a variety of boats to pick from, such as dinghies, catamarans, and keelboats, so you can choose what suits you best.

The club has fantastic instructors that are licensed to teach kids all they need to know about sailing. They will teach kids how to manoeuvre the boat, utilise the sails, and even navigate. Because safety is so crucial, they make certain that everyone follows the rules and stays safe throughout sailing activities.

Changi Sailing Club also organises races, regattas, and events. This is the opportunity to put your talents to the test, compete against other sailors, and have a fantastic day on the sea. They also host social events and activities where people may meet and make friends with other sailors.

If you want to join Changi Sailing Club, there are membership options for individuals, families, and even businesses. As a member, you have access to the club’s facilities, may participate in club events, and be a part of the sailing community.