Meeting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong: 11-year-old Nolan Ang faces off against PM Wong in a game of pickleball
Playing Pickleball with the Prime Minister: A Day in the Life of 11-Year-Old Nolan Ang
Imagine being just 11 years old and having the opportunity to play a game of pickleball with the Prime Minister of your country. That’s exactly what happened to Nolan Ang, the youngest member of the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Community Sport Network’s Pickleball Interest Group.
During a visit to the Sports and Wellness Carnival, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined in on the fun and faced off against Nolan on the pickleball court. Despite the age difference, Nolan confidently taught PM Wong how to serve the ball and explained the rules of the game. The residents watching cheered as the Prime Minister gamely followed along.
After their short match, Nolan even asked PM Wong to autograph his pickleball, a memorable moment for the young boy. Reflecting on the experience, Nolan shared, “I was quite excited to be able to play with PM Wong, and the game was quite fun.”
The event was also attended by Members of Parliament from Ang Mo Kio GRC, Kebun Baru, and Yio Chu Kang SMC, including Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The presence of these esteemed guests added to the excitement of the day.
PM Wong’s visit was part of his initiative to connect with residents across different districts in Singapore. Addressing the crowd, he emphasized the unique charm of each neighborhood and the importance of community spirit and collaboration.
Rowing for a Cause
Aside from pickleball, PM Wong also took part in a charity challenge organized by the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Dragon Boat Interest Group. The “Rowing for a Cause” event aimed to collect 700kg of rice for local beneficiaries through a row-to-donate initiative.
Residents, including elderly participants, rowed on machines to accumulate distance, with every 100m resulting in 1kg of rice being donated. PM Wong joined in the effort, accumulating about 100m on the rowing machine to support the cause.
One standout participant was a 66-year-old woman who completed over 600m on the machine, showcasing her dedication to the charity challenge. The event’s emcee praised her efforts, highlighting the community’s commitment to giving back.
Grassroots leader Png Yiow Beng sponsored the rice for the event, which will benefit needy residents in the district. Reflecting on the day’s activities, Png expressed his joy at seeing the elderly participants engaged and happy, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
Overall, Nolan Ang’s experience of playing pickleball with the Prime Minister and participating in the charity challenge exemplifies the spirit of community, collaboration, and giving back. It’s moments like these that bring people together and create lasting memories for all involved.
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