IT WAS a full-on family affair at the AsiaMalls SuperKids Challenge Series 2011 yesterday.

Not only were the children actively involved, their parents joined in the fun as well.

The event, held at Tiong Bahru Plaza, involved an indoor obstacle challenge for children aged 3to 11 years old.

The challenge series, organised by Safra Jurong and property manager AsiaMalls, aims to provide a platform for parents to spend time with their children in the heartland malls.

By 6pm, as many as 650 participants had registered for the challenge.

As the children navigated their way through the obstacle course, excited parents cheered their young ones on.

But the show of support didn't just end there.

Parents of the younger children below six years old chose to personally guide their children through the non-competitive segment of the challenge.

Mrs Sharon Choo, 29, a senior associate in an investment company, helped her daughter, Megan, 5, for the first two attempts.

Built confidence

She said: "I was there to familiarise her with the surroundings. As her confidence built up, she told me that she wanted to try it alone.

"I'm very proud of her. I feel that this helps her become more independent. For both of us, it creates a sense of bonding as well."

Most parents shared Mrs Choo's sentiments.

For Mrs Iris Lee, 28, a finance manager, the event helped foster a stronger relationship between her twochildren.

She had registered her daughters, Jermaine, 11, and Charlize, 4, for the challenge.

During the event, Charlize faced difficulties at some obstacles, but Jermaine was always ready to help her sister.

Mrs Lee said: "I didn't expect them to partner up to complete the course, so it was heartening to watch. Ithink it's good for my children."

For Jermaine, completing the obstacle in the fastest time possible was secondary.

"I wanted to win. But it's more important to bond with Charlize," she said.

Mr Tommy Ang, 45, club manager of Safra Jurong, was heartened by the feedback he received from the parents at the event.

"Instead of just shopping and watching movies, we want families to have fun in a healthy way. We also want to get more fathers involved," he said.

"Judging by the response so far, I think we will reach our target number of participants. It is very encouraging."

The event will next take place at Hougang Mall, Century Square and White Sands over the next threeweeks.

From each venue, three children with the fastest times from each of the three competitive segments will proceed to compete in the finals on April 3 at WhiteSands.

The winner will stand a chance to win cash and prizes worth up to $10 000.

This article was first published in The New Paper.