Month: December 2022

World Cup 2022: A tale of many cultures

Post author By Dennis
Post date December 9, 2022
No Comments on World Cup 2022: A tale of many cultures

2022 FIFA World Cup matches were streamed live at a variety of locations, including HomeTeamNS clubhouses.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is more than just a chance to watch great football – it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate the cultures of other countries

TEXT: NUR ADLINA BINTE ADAM

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, BADEN RESTAURANT & PUB, YUNOMORI ONSEN & SPA

Former Argentine national footballer and legend Sergio Aguero arguably summed up the global appeal of the World Cup best when he said: “The World Cup is a way of discovering other cultures. It’s up to us to break down the barriers between cultures. There’s no other way”. The FIFA World Cup is known for igniting the passion of football fans worldwide as they root for their favourite teams and players. But what if we told you that there’s more to uncover this season other than cheering through a screen?

As the games roll on and produce some unforgettable matches – from France’s sublime performances to Japan and Korea’s giant-killing feats on the pitch – it’s also raised interest in other countries, cultures and cuisines.

ENGLAND

England’s World Cup group stage was concluded against Wales, which paved the way to their victory and set up a last-16 tie with Senegal. If you’re a big supporter of the Three Lions, known as the England national football team, why not get to know more about their culture too?

Besides football and other icons like the Royal Family – and yes, Harry Potter –horses also play a prominent role in English culture. During royal commemorations, weddings, festivals, soldiers on horseback are a sight to behold in England. While horses are a rare sight on our shores, what if we told you that you could trot to your heart’s content and experience that magnificent dream right here?

Gallop Stable at Pasir Ris and Horsecity

Gallop Stable offers a range of activities including riding lessons, pony rides and feeding sessions. Opened in 2003 with 13 ponies at Pasir Ris Park, Gallop Stable has expanded to Bukit Timah at the former Turf Club. HomeTeamNS members can enjoy exclusive rates for Pony Rides at S$8 (U.P. S$10), and 10% off regular riding rates (new students only) for Horse or Pony Riding Lessons until 30 June 2023. Simply flash your digital membership card found in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App upon checkout for the promotion.

JAPAN

Japan prides itself on its delectable sushi and the strong culture of cleanliness. Their shock win over Germany in the group stages captured headlines around the world. Equally noteworthy was the sight of Japanese spectators voluntarily helping to clean up the stands post-match. Even if you couldn’t be in Qatar to witness football history being made, there are other ways to celebrate all things Japan.

Hei Sushi (Halal)

Serving over 200 delectable Japanese dishes such as the Aburi & Tobimayo Sushi and Soft Shell Crab Udon, Hei Sushi is Singapore’s first halal-certified conveyor belt sushi restaurant. HomeTeamNS members can either enjoy 10% off the total bill, or a Tea Time Buffet at $19.80+ (U.P. $28.80+) at any Hei Sushi outlet.

Sakae Sushi

Sakae Sushi is also a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Singapore that serves up affordable and authentic Japanese dishes such as Una Kyu Temaki and Cha Soba and Yasai Tempura Gozen. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10% off the total bill until 31 August 2023. This promotion is valid at all outlets except Sakae Sushi Tai Seng.

Yunomori Onsen and Spa

Japanese hot springs, otherwise known as Onsen, are popular across Japan. Filled with mineral-rich warm waters, the baths are said to provide various health benefits and can help you to relax. If that sounds like something you need, we’ve great news. With a combination of traditional Japanese Onsen therapies and the healing effects of Thai massages, Yunomori Onsen & Spa allows you to experience a great escape to relaxation and rejuvenation. Be spoiled for choice from a total of 11 pools with six variations of baths and facilities like saunas and steam rooms. HomeTeamNS members get 10% off Onsen Entry (Day Pass) and is valid for new bookings only.

Simply flash your digital membership card found in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App upon checkout for the promotions above.

GERMANY

Germany, also known as ‘The Land of Poets and Thinkers’, is very well-known for getting together for city-wide festivals like Oktoberfest. Did you know that Germany produces over five thousand different types of beer and exports over 1.5 billion litres? About 7 million liters of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest alone!

Baden Restaurant & Pub

If you’re a fan of German football, how about popping open a cold one with your buddies at Baden Restaurant & Pub? Established in 1990, the pub is well-known for serving up a comprehensive range of beer, and popular menu items such as pork knuckle, currywurst, and schnitzels. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15% discount for all food items, and an extended Happy Hour till 10pm on Monday to Saturday, and 12am on Sundays. Additionally, you can also enjoy a birthday drink on the house.

Simply flash your digital membership card found in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App upon checkout for the promotions above.

FRANCE

The Eiffel Tower in Paris and sweet-scented lavender fields in Provence are some of the most enchanting things about France. It’s common for locals and tourists to indulge in piping hot beignets paired with café au lait, or red Bordeaux accompanied by bread and cheese. With France becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16, what better way to celebrate than with a glass of red wine?

Sinopec Petrol Stations

From now till 31 December 2022, HomeTeamNS members can enjoy 50% off the Popular French (Bordeaux) Reds at all Sinopec petrol stations. Choose between Laville Pavillion Bordeaux and Duchesse De Berry Bordeaux at only S$24.50 per bottle. And most importantly, always remember to drink responsibly!

To enjoy this promotion, flash your digital membership card found in the HomeTeamNS Mobile App upon checkout for the promotions above.

For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS promotions and events, visit our website and Facebook page.

Close Up

The dashing hero

Mr Kalai and a pacer at Gardens by the Bay after completing his event at the 2018 HomeTeamNS REAL® Run.

HomeTeamNS REAL^® Run participant, 57-year-old Kalaichelvan Ramachandran, has been ‘going the distance’ since he was a teenager and has inspired his children to take up the sport too.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: KALAICHELVAN RAMACHANDRAN

Running is not just Mr Kalaichelvan Ramachandran’s lifelong hobby – it is also a passion that he’s proud to have passed down to his three adult children, who took up the sport when they were still young.

Mr Kalaichelvan, known as Kalai, started running cross-country races in secondary school. During his National Service stint, he continued to take part in marathons. Today, he runs twice a week for leisure, going up to three or four times when he is in training for a specific event – such as the HomeTeamNS REAL^® Run, which he has taken part in an impressive 25 times.

With the physical race having taken place on 8 October 2022 at Gardens by the Bay, REAL^® Run is currently holding a 10km Virtual Run for those who missed out on the earlier physical event.

The REAL^® Run 10km virtual run 2022 allows participants to complete the given distance at their own time, pace and running route between 25 October 2022 to January 2023. All that’s needed is to register for the run – the last day to do so is 31 December 2022 – and send in a screenshot of your running app showing the date, time of run and the distance covered. Finishers receive an exclusive The North Face T-shirt and a 20-litre canvas bag, worth a total of S$59.

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION TO KEEP MOVING

As a young man, Mr Kalai found running to be a rewarding hobby as he enjoyed beating the goals he set for himself: “Each time I clocked a new personal best, I wanted to keep improving it.” Now a spry 57, Mr Kalai – who works in the freight forwarding industry – has seen how running has enriched not just his own life, but also strengthened the bond between him and his children, two boys aged 25 and 19, and a girl aged 23.

Mr Kalai first introduced his children to running by enrolling them in age-appropriate races.

“They enjoyed running with other kids, so they looked forward to the events,” he recalled. “They wanted to run in order to keep fit. That’s the lesson I want to pass down to them – that running helps you lead a healthy lifestyle.” Running also helped him to maintain focus as a parent, despite all the pressures of daily life: “Running is a form of relaxation for me. On days that I am particularly stressed, I go for a run so that I keep my frustrations away from my kids.”

Mr Kalai has since ran in several events with his children, including a full marathon with his older son and two Yellow Ribbon Races with his daughter. Each event he and his children participate in creates new opportunities for bonding, he says. “Knowing that my kid is running in the same event as me is inspiring,” he reflected. “If we have an event together, I remind my children to train for it, and we run together a few times before the event. On the event day itself, although we may not be running side by side, we go down to the event together and return home together.”

CARING FOR OTHERS THROUGH RUNNING

One of Mr Kalai’s favourite runs is the HomeTeamNS REAL^® Run, which he participates in alongside his friends from a wide array of backgrounds and races. “When we used to train for REAL^® Run races in Sentosa, a few of us from different walks of life would meet to have breakfast together on a lorry that was driven by one of the runners,” he reminisced.

While he finds the virtual REAL^® Run – first held in 2020 – to be slightly less interactive compared to a physical race, he still embraces the challenge of completing the 10km on his own: “It has proved to me that running can be done anywhere and at any time. I find it rewarding that I can still run together with my friends for this event.”

When he is not training for events, Mr Kalai enjoys the social aspect of running – and has also started doing good with every step. “I am currently a member of a social running group known as the Thaarumaaru Runners, which is known not only among the Indian community but by many Singaporeans too.”

Originally founded in 2017 to encourage fitness among the Indian community, the Thaarumaaru Runners have expanded their activities to include helping others. “We are also a socially responsible group, as we have done fund-raising events,” he shared.

Besides connecting him to people, running has taught Mr Kalai more about his own strengths and resilience. Despite a slipped disc in 2010 that took him out of action for a year, he is proud to say that he is still capable of running long distances, while maintaining his previous timings. “I have realised that any injuries can be recovered from with good rest. They don’t have to hold me back from continuing in the sport after I recover,” he said. “I also feel that as an active person, we recover quicker from injuries in comparison to less active people.”

If Mr Kalai’s lifelong love affair with running has inspired you to participate in the HomeTeamNS Virtual REAL^® Run for the first time, he has some useful tips for newcomers to the event. “When planning the route to run, try to follow those that offer the most realistic experience – including tarmac, beach and trail terrain. Also, form groups with friends who have the same interest, and run together.”

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

In The Force

Running his way to a healthier lifestyle

Post author By Dennis
Post date December 5, 2022
No Comments on Running his way to a healthier lifestyle

Mr Andriyan Awi has developed a passion for running and fitness after enlisting for National Service in the Singapore Police Force.

National Service has given Mr Andriyan bin Awi a new perspective and a new-found love for running, here’s how it happened.

TEXT: KEENAN PEREIRA

PHOTOS: ANDRIYAN AWI

As Friday afternoon rolls around, Mr Andriyan bin Awi has one thing on his mind: His weekly cheat meal. “I learnt about the concept of a cheat meal from my training days,” says the 22-year-old. He had enlisted as an overweight recruit last February, weighing in at 99kg, with a height that was just over 160cm. To help him shave the pounds, his trainers put him on a low-carb diet, which means that he had to give up favourites like rice and pasta for most of the week.

Fridays were an exception though, as they marked the start of his book-out period and Andriyan could enjoy the food he loved. His trainers didn’t restrict this, but only asked that he exercised too. “Over the weekend, we would have to run a kilometre for every month that we had enlisted,” recalls Andriyan, which was when he discovered his newfound interest in running.

A CAN-DO APPROACH TO STAYING TRIM

By the time his third month of enlistment rolled around, Andriyan said he looked forward to running his three kilometres over the weekend. It was a stellar improvement from what he could do at his heaviest. Back then, he would only be able to run 200m or so at a go, and even then, he would be incredibly out of breath. Andriyan’s “can-do” attitude has led to incredible results: Since joining the Force, he has shed more than 30kg and is now a trim 67kg, thanks to running and leading a healthier lifestyle.

Although he exercises self-restraint when it comes to food, he allows himself to enjoy a sinful meal every now and then. More often than not, his choice is a plate of steaming butter chicken from Al-Azhar, a famed Indian eatery along Upper Bukit Timah Road.

It’s a short hop from Clementi Police Station, where Andriyan currently serves as an administrative officer, ensuring that the police station’s operations run without a hitch. “It opens your eyes to how important everyone’s role is,” says Andriyan, referring to his present role. “It could be as simple as ensuring rations for those in-camp, but it’s crucial for mission success.”

HONING HIS PEOPLE SKILLS

He started this role earlier this year, after a previous stint at the facility’s guardhouse, where he helped register visitors and members of the public. He enjoyed this role immensely as well, as it allowed him to develop his people skills. He first honed these skills during a string of part-time jobs while studying for his Nitec in Aerospace Technology at Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

“I worked at the Singapore Tourism Board as an ambassador for the Singapore Rediscover Vouchers scheme, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board as an usher, and Starbucks as a barista,” he says, adding that these experiences, together with his role at Clementi Police Station, have inspired him to pursue a new career path after his Operationally Ready Date next February.

“I would like to go into retail business management in the future,” he said.

STAYING HOME, POUNDING THE PAVEMENT

In his present vocation, Andriyan works office hours, which means he has his weekends to himself.

It explains why he’s content to stay at home for the most part, relaxing and spending time with his loved ones. It’s a far cry from his earlier weekends during National Service, when he made it a point to go out as much as he could. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: Come Saturday evening, you’ll find him pounding the pavement on one of his weekly runs.

For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS promotions and events, visit our website and Facebook page.

Club Buzz

Make it a REAL® Run!

REAL® Run 2022 was more than just a race, it signified a welcome return of camaraderie between Home Team NSmen since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

REAL® Run 2022 marked a welcome and popular return to a physical event.

TEXT: NUR ADLINA BINTE ADAM

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

In the early morning of 8 October 2022, close to 3,000 Home Team National Servicemen (NSmen), their loved ones and other avid runners gathered at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay for the REAL® Run. HomeTeamNS’ annual run was finally back as a physical race, and members eagerly soaked in the carnival-like atmosphere throughout the day.

Unique to this race, runners were flagged off by Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s Covert Bike and Emergency Response Team, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)’s Fire Bike and Red Rhino. The runners were also greeted with a refreshing start, as the Red Rhinos sprayed water jets at the starting line. Guest-of-Honour Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, HomeTeamNS President and Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, flagged off the event.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

REAL® Run may be a race, but it is also an event for NSmen from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and SCDF to bond with one another. “I get to run with my father, which is something we can do together as a family, and together as Home Team members,” shared SC (NS) Muhammad Zidny Ilman Bin Edwan Nizar from the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom). It was his first time participating in REAL® Run with his father, COL (NS) Edwan Nizar from the 2^nd SCDF Division, who is also a member of the Management Committee as the Co-Chairman of the Strategic Review Committee of HomeTeamNS.

Both NSmen and full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) competed in the 5km and 10km group and individual categories. For the 5km Flagbearer category, the NSmen from the Protective Security (ProCom) team of runners from SPF took first place, while the runners from the 4th SCDF Division came in second.

A FESTIVE RACE VILLAGE

Participants enjoyed various activities at the Race Village, which included carnival games, post-race massages and other highlights such as Human Foosball and Pedal Go-Kart. LTA (NS) Daniel Obadiah Lim and REC (NS) Koh Soo Tze Andy from the Civil Defence Academy (CDA) tried activities like hoop-throwing and Zumba.

“It was extremely engaging. There are so many activities to do here,” said LTA (NS) Lim. The pair added that the games provided an opportunity for family bonding, as parents played with their children. “The thing I missed most from these past two years is the fun-filled atmosphere. It’s nice that we hold it (REAL® Run) every year,” said REC (NS) Koh.

HERE’S TO THE NEXT RACE

Longing for another reason to run? It’s time to gather your friends for the REAL® Run 10km Virtual Run. At your own time, pace and running route, complete the 10km Virtual Run till 31 January 2023. Register for the run by 31 December 2022 and send a screenshot of your running app displaying the date, time of the run and distance covered. If you are new to the virtual-running scene, you can use popular running and fitness apps that are GPS-enabled such as Strava, RunKeeper, Fitbit and Garmin Connect to clock in your run.

Entry fees for the virtual run are priced at S$19.90 and S$24.90 for HomeTeamNS members and the general public respectively. Runners will be entitled to The North Face Finisher Tee and a 20-litre Canvas Bag (worth a total of S$59) upon completion of the run. For more information on the run and entitlements, visit our website.

For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS promotions and events, visit our website and Facebook page

A few words of encouragement from our REAL® Run Committee!

"It's not about the timing of the run, it's really about going out there and enjoying yourself together with your friends!"

Su Caizheng, Chairman of the HomeTeamNS REAL® Run Committee

"Life is an ultramarathon. It's more fun when you have likeminded people around you. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on."

Terence Choo, Vice-Chairman of the HomeTeamNS REAL® Run Committee

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