The clients of RAYZ spent a weekend at Changi Airport Terminal 3 learning the ropes of traveling and trying to spot a special Singapore Girl.
Contributed By Rachel Tjahjadi
The fun-loving clients of RAYZ with a volunteer. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAYZ.
The airport at the end of the year is a place buzzing with people departing and arriving, heading for holiday trips and returning home for Christmas. Recently, RAYZ, a service provided by City Harvest Community Services Association for people with special needs, joined in the buzz at the airport.
Held on the weekend of Nov. 26 and 27 at Changi International Airport Terminal 3, the event, Airport Mania, was organized to give RAYZ clients a time of fellowship, window shopping and an opportunity to know more about the airport facilities.
There were 450 participants, grouped into teams of 12 to 15, each named after the bus number they came to the airport in. The teams had to complete tasks at six game stations. Each team was given its own “passport” and a stamp was awarded each time a task was successfully completed. Points were also given for a task well done.
Everyone was excited to spot the Singapore Girl.
The aim of the game was to “be the ultimate traveler” by collecting all six stamps on the “passport,” and by scoring the highest possible number of points. Teams E2 and N10 gathered the highest number of points and emerged champions. Each team received a hamper filled with goodies.
In another game, “My Sweet Sweet Bus,” the participants had to form their team name using sweets. This activity challenged their creativity and teamwork as they tried to make the numbers and letters as colorful and attractive as possible. “Room Service” was a game in which every participant in a team was given a letter of the alphabet. Each team had to form the correct word with the given letters.
The highlight of Airport Mania was the bonus round: teams had to spot a volunteer dressed up as a Singapore Airlines flight stewardess. Teams who managed to spot the Singapore Girl were given bonus prizes. Some of the participants could not recognize her in her new outfit, while others were surprised and excited by her appearance.
The airport proved an interesting venue for games. According to Santhi Singaram, the organizer of Airport Mania, RAYZ picked the airport for the space and comfort it offered. There were no restrictions and the participants could enjoy the space safely.
At the end of the event, some volunteers spent time with the RAYZ clients, treating them to a meal at McDonald’s. This marked the end of a fun and heartwarming day at the airport.
“The event would not have been a success without the volunteers who were a ‘super help,’” said Singaram. “We had a lovely time having fellowship, playing, and having fun together. It was a great way to build our bonds of friendship.”
