On Sunday, 2 September 2001, the 13 students
from the "Make It Real!" (MIR) programme packed
gear and coiled ropes, pitched tents and sang to the tune
of charity.
The budding mountaineers from National
University of Singapore (NUS) were at Parkway Parade presenting
Xixamania as their contribution to the President's Challenge
2001 - The New Paper Project Y.
Xixamania comprised of a series of adventure
games such as "Pack-a-Bag", "Coil-a-Rope",
"Pitch-a-Tent" and "Wear-a-Suit" in which
three teams of students tested their speed and co-ordination.
Before each game, shoppers in the mall were invited to vote
for their favourite team by making a donation.
A group of NUS students, "Friends
of Xixabangma" performed several local pop songs. The
students also helped to set up a mock standee of Xixabangma
mountain which was used as a backdrop for members of the public
to have instant photographs taken for a $5 donation.
From among those who voted for the victorious
team, a winner was drawn and granted a wish from the team.
One winner asked team leader Shaffique to do a dance, which
he did admirably with some cool moves, to the delight and
hoots of the crowd. The winner was also given a free photo
at the standee.
Proceeds from Xixamania went to the four
designated beneficiaries, which include Alzheimer's Disease
Association, Down's Syndrome Association, Pertapis Halfway
House and The Turning Point.
The MIR students volunteered to raise funds
for the President's Challenge despite their own difficulties
in securing sponsors for the MIR programme. MIR team leader
Thong Soon Ho said, "We felt that the President's Challenge,
in particular The New Paper Project Y, was a worthy cause
in promoting community service amongst the youth. We wanted
to share with our peers the idea that helping the underprivileged
can be fun and rewarding."
The students hoped that Xixamania would
inspire teenagers to see beyond their current pursuits and
explore new frontiers. Soon Ho added, "Through our training
with the Xixabangma Expedition team, all of us learned the
importance of living a well-balanced life, managing our academic
pursuits, passion for adventure sports, and contributing to
community."
