SINGAPORE : 800 skaters slapped on their wheels and hit the
roads at the Padang on Sunday.
It was all part of the Samsung Inline Skating Challenge -
Singapore's largest skating competition to date.
The first batch of skaters from the recreation category took their
wheels for a spin after heavy rain delayed the flag-off for over an
hour.
Enthusiasts and professionals lined up for a rolling good time,
circling the one-kilometre route around the Padang - but not
without taking the necessary safety precautions due to the wet road
surface.
Jenn Lui, Professional Skater of Team Speedvirus, said: "There are
a few things we can do. One is to change the wheels to those with
better grip and this being a sprint event, the skaters will try and
max out, so they have to watch out especially the corners."
Skater Gabriel Ching said: "I just avoided the yellow lines and
white lines because they are slippery."
Some who have participated in similar events abroad said they
trained for the event, while others were just out to have some
fun.
Besides promoting a healthy lifestyle, organisers also hope to
foster community ties.
Park Sang Jin, Regional CEO of Samsung, said: "Sports is a good
means to bring people to unite and challenge, that kind of spirit,
and it is also a good way of contact."
Many professional skaters are heartened to see the good turnout and
support for the Skating Challenge, including the road closure. They
hope more of such events can be organised to promote the sport in
Singapore.
Stunt skaters also put up an entertaining display. - CNA/de