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NDP 2008 100 Days Countdown – The Spirit is in the Air

- by Kelvin Yang

The mark has been crossed – we are now officially less than a hundred days away from NDP 2008 itself. On the evening of 30th April 2008, members of the EXCO and sponsors alike gathered at The Arena at Clarke Quay for a night of contemplation amidst entertainment – celebrating how far the NDP 2008 journey has come and gearing up for the run-in looming ahead.

Wait a minute. Wasn't the 100-day mark on the 1st of May? Yes, no doubt it was. In view of the public holiday that Labour Day was, the EXCO decided to celebrate on 30th April instead. It turned out to be a wise decision after all – with the next day being a public holiday, there was many a relaxed face in the crowd. Everyone was happy to let their hair down without worrying about having to report for work early the next morning.

Not everything was fun and laughter though. A few minutes into the event, one could already discern the classical trait of an NDP 2008 event – work interwoven with entertainment. Amidst the fun, the smiles and the laughter, plans were made and relationships cemented. The cosy setting of the club provided the backdrop for casual discussion, and everyone present was happy to provide the content.

On the topic of setting, the venue choice aptly reflected many similarities with the NDP 2008 journey. Walking along Clarke Quay towards the event, soaking in the evening breeze, one could visualise the crowd forming up at Marina Bay, ready to watch the various segments of NDP 2008 come together before their eyes. A more subtle yet no less poignant thought was that of the Singapore Spirit. A myriad of different cultures, from oriental to western, from the common to the exotic; a mixture of people from all walks of life, from the halls of the famous to the streets of the layman. This diversity present at Clarke Quay made one reflect on the idea of a common Singapore Spirit coming together amidst all the differences. With the Countdown activities waiting at The Arena, the immersion was complete – with 100 days to go, this Spirit was truly in the air.

 

The activities lined up at the club were no less spontaneous. An NDP 2008 trivia contest near the end of the event conjured up much laughter, with Chairman EXCO, COL Tung giving out prizes. All those present shared in the joy of the winners and the light-hearted moments. To round it all up, a “Singapore Cheer” contest was held, with energetic cheerleaders challenging volunteers to do a “Singapore Cheer” as demonstrated by them for everyone present. Without a doubt, the prize for the contest went to the volunteer who received the most applause from the floor.

In the dazzling colours of the lights above, in the laughter and chatter of EXCO members and sponsors who were enjoying themselves, in all that was said and done that evening, one truly saw the Singapore Spirit. For all the food, drinks and entertainment present, that perhaps, was what made the evening special.