Avontuur ROAR 2011

Article by Suhaimi B Sofian, SEG
Photo by RP's Photo IG

At the dawn of 10 December 2011, more than 100 adrenaline pumped adventure racers grouped in teams of 3 to navigate the Pulau Ubin wilderness as part of Avontuur ROAR. The Dutch word equivalent for adventure - Avontuur ROAR (Republic Polytechnic and Outward Bound Singapore) aims to increase awareness for Outdoor Adventure Education (OE) through adventure racing.

As the secondary school and tertiary student racers stormed through the 15km and 25km race course, their brains and fitness level were put to the test as they attempted to complete challenges such as trail running, compass navigation, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, abseiling and mystery tests like crossword puzzles. Prior to the actual race, all participants went through a stringent Technical Skills Test (TST) conducted by qualified staff from both RP and OBS. This was to ensure that racers are well equipped for the various race disciplines and skill sets.

Racers also had to collect waste as part of their challenge. This was a deliberate effort to instill some awareness and perhaps greater responsibility towards our environment for our young racers. The rubbish collected were used as part of a data collection for a School of Health Leisure's Final Year Project on environmental education which is part of Outdoor Adventure Education.

Comparable to many international adventure races, our ROAR racers were provided with a pre race package of meals and accommodation on OBS campus and prepared on site for the race with detailed instructions and race briefs.

Ganesh Kalynam, Director of Office of Students and Graduate Affairs and Nicholas Conceicao, Director of OBS, jointly flag off our race at 7am. After 4 hours 24mins and 35 seconds, the first team crossed the finish line with tiredness but joyful smiles on their faces. Subsequently, as more teams streamed in they were warmly welcomed by student performing groups Beats Encore and Capoeira IG. In addition, full time professional Singaporean adventure racers presented on overseas races and shared experiences with our budding new ROAR racers.

Our special guests, Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive Director of People's Association and Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of Republic Polytechnic Board of Governors, gave away the prizes to all our winners, ending ROAR on a high note.