Going the distance

By Sadia Roohi

After the success of the inaugural NTU Service Week, members of the OneNTU community are now gearing up to go the distance for the next event of the We Belong campaign, the Best Foot Forward (BFF) virtual fundraising run.

The We Belong campaign takes place from January to March this year, and after the BFF run from 18 February to 31 March, will conclude with NTU Giving Day on 23 March. 

NTU’s Executive Director for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Ms Yap Su-Yin said: “It’s been a challenging time for all. Through the curve balls, highs and lows that life throws us, it bears remembering that the best gift we have is this moment in time.”

“The message here is, come what may, let’s persevere, try our best and not give up. Putting our best foot forward, we will become the best we can be, together,” she added.

Sport Science and Management alumnus Alvin Wah (Class of 2018) is one of over 400 participants to have registered for the BFF run to date. Aiming to complete 100km, Alvin decided to participate as he wanted to do good and keep fit at the same time.

Alumnus Alvin Wah (SSM/2018) aims to complete 100km for the BFF virtual fundraising run. 

However, Alvin had previously never fancied running long distances as he found the activity quite monotonous. “But in recent years, I realised that going for a run helps to clear my mind and relieves some tension and stress. I will be hoping to clock small distances regularly over the event period and hopefully I will be able to hit my target,” he said.

A sports lover since young, Alvin decided to embark on a journey learning about sports science after completing his college studies. That brought him to the National Institute of Education where he pursued the Sport Science and Management degree programme. 

Alvin also recently volunteered during the NTU Service Week, where he led six one-hour exercise programmes for seniors at Cornerstone Senior Centre.

“I had the opportunity to interact with seniors during a short internship at the Geriatric Education and Research Institute and realised that one of the ways I could contribute to the community of seniors is to help them experience the adrenaline, thrill and community that sports and fitness bring,” he said.

For Cheryl Cruz Torrado from the University Advancement Office, participating in BFF is an opportunity for her to stay fit and support needy students through the NTU Bursary. A lover of the outdoors, Cheryl enjoys evening runs in her neighbourhood and will be completing at least 30km.

The lush greenery in her neighbourhood provides a scenic route for Cheryl as she aims to run at least 30km.

“I have signed up as part of a team with colleagues. In addition, my husband will be my personal cheerleader and co-runner. BFF is a great bonding activity too so it was an easy ask for others to join in,” said Cheryl.

Sharing a quote from Allyson Felix, one of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time – “One step at a time. One round at a time.” – Cheryl encourages more participants to “Get fit and make a dash for good cause.”

The Best Foot Forward virtual fundraising run is happening from 18 February to 31 March 2022. Participants may run, walk or jog for a good cause by signing up as an Individual, a Team Leader, or as a member of a Team (team code required). 

For a minimum donation of S$30 (S$15 for NTU students), you can make a difference by pledging to run 3km, 10km, 30km, or 100km between 18 February to 23 March 2022 (challenge period). Donations can be made up till 31 March 2022, and will go towards the fund of your choice: NTU Bursary Fund, NTU Priorities Fund, or School Advancement Funds.