Report for Women On Skates 2010

  


Group Photo

 

Report by Jon Wong
Instructor/SNS Leader

On a buzzling Saturday evening at Orchard Road, we had the pleasure of conducting Women On Skates 2010, outside ION Shopping Mall. More than 70 skaters graced the event, including participants and volunteers.

There were signs of rain earlier on in the day, with the weather threathening to be skeptical. But thankfully the gloomy weather cleared as the evening neared, and gave us a perfect weather for the event.

Our entourage set off towards the Esplanade at 8pm, passing by prominent landmarks from Orchard Central, The Cathay Theatre to Chijmes and Raffles Hotel. Though the journey was packed with evening shoppers and diners, but everything was in order with the help from the Skate Assist Volunteers as they marshalled the skaters on.

 


The SAVs

 

It was a challenge for some participants, as it was their first taste of urban night skating. Among them were Ms Elaine Leong, Ms Faith Joey and Ms Judith Ho. Ms Elaine Leong, 25, recounted, 'With the pedestrians around, I was nervous initially. But I settled down soon with the help of the marshals. I was very impressed with the adequate help that was available.'
 
 
 

Elaine, Faith & Judith
 

There were a couple of young 'ladies' as well who were doing the night skate for the first time. Felin, 9, and Celine, 8, showed that size doesn't matter when it comes to skating, complimented with a supportive father.

 


Felin & Celine with Daddy

 

 

We had to deal with the array of traffic light junctions which slowed us down significantly, and had our well deserved break at the Esplanade Park with refreshments awaiting. We were entertained with some skating display by some of the skaters, while we rested our legs. Others took the chance to capture the moments on their cameras and iphones.

 


Gary with our drinks

 

 

Soon after we were on the way again. Crossing the underpass from the park, we arrived at Boat Quay, and were skating along SIngapore River. There were a series of underpasses with steep slopes to deal with, which brought us over to Clarke Quay, and it was challenging to give directions to both the pedestrians and skaters.

Upon arriving at Mhd Sultan Road, we headed back towards Clarke Quay. The traffic was bad, and we had to be cautious while crossing some of the small roads. After looping around Clarke Quay, we made our way pass Fort Canning Park, heading towards the Singapore Management University.

It was a change of atmostphere thereafter, as we skated through the quiet underground tunnel of the university which links to various buildings in the campus. The flooring was perfect and smooth, and best of all was the cool air conditioning that greeted us. The only flaw was that we had to accend and descent the escalators which stopped operating as it was too late.

 


Threading down the steps

 

 

Soon we were back on Orchard Road again, and everyone could not wait to reach the end point - Wheelock Place. We completed the event in a total time of 3 hours and 20 minutes, mainly due to the stalling at traffic junctions and slow progression. But everyone completed the journey successfully and safely, though tired but satisfied.

Many new friendships were forged, and yet another wonderful night for us to remember.

Credits:

SAVs

Chun Yang, Jessica, Chong Boon, Steven, Sanjeevi, Philip, Isaac, Timothy, Simon, Leonard, David Ng, Jing Yi, Hui Yi, Eric & Faussi

Safety Van

Gary

Photography & Video

David, Leonard, Faussi & Moon Ji Wook

Sponsors

- Juup Nails
- Touche Spa
- K2 Skates
- Ryder Eyewear
- Citrusox
- Field Catering Pte Ltd
- Tee Workshop

To view the pictures from this event, click here.

To view the video, click here.