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Synopsis :

In this programme featuring  Singapore's contribution to 'ASEAN Half Hour', the spotlight falls on the role played by Singapore's community centres in providing recreational activities to the people. The 186 community centres in Singapore offer a wide range of free recreational facilities to everyone. People come to these centres to meet, study, relax or engage in different recreational activities. There are courses on embroidery, cooking, beauty culture, basket weaving, wood carving, karate and other forms of self defence. Children can take up folk singing and dancing. The community centres are managed by youth leaders with three years training at the National Youth Leadership Training Institute. This formal training prepares them for an important role in community life. The community centres have been the starting point for many recreational activities and sports like table tennis, chess, swimming, volleyball, fencing, basketball and pugilistics which is the Chinese art of self defence. Competitions between community centres have helped to sustain an interest in sports. To keep up this interest, a $50 million sports stadium is being built in Kallang. In 1970, a month-long survey was carried out to assess the recreational needs of Singaporeans. The information collected will enable planners to devise better and more amenities for the people. Large organisations in the private and public sectors are appointing sports liaison officers to make people more conscious about sports and help in its promotion. As well utilised leisure time is an essential component of good living, meaningful recreational programmes at community centres will make a positive contribution to  enrich the lives of Singaporeans.