On 28th September 2024, Republic Polytechnic (RP), hosted Harmony In Motion, an event that buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as participants of all ages gathered for a day of fitness, fun, and connection. From exhilarating musical performances to an intergenerational workout, the event emphasised the importance of both mental and physical wellness for everyone, young and old.
Bridging Generations Through Fitness
The highlight of the event was the Intergenerational Mass Workout, where participants danced, stretched, and exercised together. Aaron Chen Angus, Senior Lecturer at RP and event organiser, emphasised that the goal of Harmony In Motion was to unite different generations through the universal language of exercise. “We wanted to shift the mindset that exercise is a chore and show people, especially seniors, that it can be fun, joyful, and a part of their lifestyle,” Aaron explained.
Aaron hopes the positive atmosphere will encourage seniors to associate exercise with happiness and motivate them to stay active long-term. “This emotional connection is key in transforming exercise from a routine task into something they truly enjoy,” he added.
Ken Lim, a senior volunteer from Jiaying Active Aging Centre, participated in the workout and echoed Aaron’s sentiments. “Events like this create a common ground where both young and old can come together and enjoy fitness. It’s really about building a community,” he shared.
Dazzling K-Pop Performances
The excitement didn’t stop there. Audiences were captivated by breathtaking performances from Purple 9’s talented artists, including groups like The Maria and 2.2. With a mix of dynamic dance moves and multilingual songs, their performances not only entertained but also encouraged participants to get up and move.
Adding to the atmosphere was the exclusive premiere of heartfelt music videos, such as ‘O Bara Cinta’, which left the audience energised and emotionally moved.
Cheerleaders Wow the Crowd
Cheerleading squads from Singapore and Malaysia also took the stage with high-flying stunts and intricate formations as part of the Asia Stuntfest 2024 showcase. Their gravity-defying flips and coordinated teamwork were met with thunderous applause from the crowd, embodying the essence of community spirit.
Zoey Kee Yi Ling, 23, former President of GUTS Cheerleading, reflected on how events like these dispel misconceptions about cheerleading. “People think cheerleading is just about pom-poms, but we perform dangerous stunts and fly really high. It’s exciting to show seniors and others what cheerleading is truly about,” she said.
A New Record in the Books
To wrap up the day, 420 participants of all ages came together for a final mass workout, setting a new Singapore Book of Records milestone for the largest intergenerational exercise session. The event was not just about fitness, but about building a bridge between generations and fostering stronger community bonds.