Parent-child bonding through sports with KidZania Singapore and AIA Singapore

SINGAPORE – KidZania Singapore, Singapore’s latest family edutainment theme attraction, announced the official opening of its kid-sized Stadium within the indoor city. In partnership with AIA Singapore, the KidZania Stadium offers opportunities to cultivate skills and sporting values in kids through various role-play activities, and for parents to bond with their children through sports.

 

To commemorate the occasion, Ledley King, Tottenham Hotspur’s legendary former captain and England international defender, currently a Club Ambassador, made a surprise visit to the Stadium as part of AIA’s long-term partnership with Spurs. Joined by executives from AIA Singapore (AIA) and KidZania Singapore, Ledley opened the Stadium before guests, club fans and their children. Ledley also met with 14 young aspiring footballers from VOX @ Singapore Children’s Society and Special Olympics Singapore. The Singapore Children’s Society is KidZania Singapore’s Corporate Social Responsibility Partner, while Tottenham Hotspur has a long-standing global relationship with the Special Olympics movement. The launch also saw Ledley referee a friendly unified match among the youths from both charities at the Stadium. Prior to the match, the youth were trained by two coaches who had undergone a Coach Development Programme jointly organized by Tottenham Hotspur and Special Olympics Asia Pacific last year.

 

KidZania Singapore is one of the five in the world with a stadium within the City. Kids at the Stadium can take on a friendly challenge with other kids as a Telematch Participant or a Football Player. For a different point-of-view, they can cheer the teams on as a Cheerleader, or be the voice of the games as a Sports Commentator Assistant. In the process, kids can learn sporting values such as discipline, team work, and perseverance, as well as presentation skills. Parents can observe the little ones in action and bond with their kids as spectators at the Stadium.

 

 

Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Singapore said, “We are pleased to partner KidZania in the official opening of the Stadium, as we proactively encourage healthy living among families and their children. Approximately 7 in 10 (67%) parents in Singapore acknowledge that their children do not get enough exercise, according to AIA’s 2016 Healthy Living Index Survey, and we continue reaching out to children from a young age and creating more fun opportunities for them to lead healthier, happier and better lives.“

 

“The Stadium at KidZania is a perfect opportunity for us to do so. Given that AIA Singapore is committed to football development in Asia and as the Official Shirt Partner with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, we are privileged to have the support of Tottenham Hotspur and Ledley King with us for today’s event. We hope that many children will be inspired to pursue their dreams and with Football being a team sport that can bring everyone together for a common goal, encouraging them to score #LittleHealthVictories along the way!”

 

Said Leong Yue Weng, KidZania Singapore’s Mayor and General Manager, “Having a Stadium allows us to provide a host of benefits to kids beyond their physical health, including communication skills, social skills, goal-setting and more. It is also one of the establishments where families can truly be close to the action, and adults can role-play as spectators as they cheer on their little ones. More importantly, it gives adults the opportunity to instil confidence in their kids by offering them positive reinforcement through their attention and support. Sporting skills and values help kids build a foundation that will enable them to succeed in life, which KidZania Singapore is delighted to be part of. With AIA Singapore as one of our key partners, we hope to jointly promote the aim of developing children through sports.”

 

 

Ledley King, former Tottenham Hotspur player and Club ambassador, added: “In partnership with AIA, Tottenham Hotspur is committed to using our global appeal and the power of football to inspire healthy and active lifestyles throughout Asia. The KidZania Stadium is now going to give young people in Singapore a fantastic facility in which to play football, keep fit, improve their skills and enjoy themselves.“

 

“Growing up in London, I would have loved somewhere like this to play as a youngster so I must congratulate AIA Singapore and KidZania for making this possible.”

 

The Stadium’s appeal goes beyond family bonding, and serves as a versatile multi-purpose space for corporate event organisers. With a seating capacity of 80 guests and standing capacity of 120 guests, the Stadium is perfect for incentive-based events such as teambuilding activities and competitive matches.

 

Best suited for children aged 4 and above, KidZania Singapore is a realistic indoor city developed in consultation with child education experts and supported by real-world brands, to complement school learning experiences.

 

Kids have a wide variety of options to live out their aspirations and try out their dream occupations in the 7,600 square metre park, as they develop a better appreciation of the skills and importance of each occupation. Parents will also be able to participate in selected role-play activities, as well as take an active role in understanding their children’s inclinations and learning process. Besides the Stadium, kids can also engage in sports-related activities at the Mountaineering School and the Climbing Building. For their safety, kids are required to be in covered shoes and shorts to participate in these activities.

 

KidZania Singapore operates 7 days a week.

 

 

Photo caption: KidZania Stadium – Friendly match with SO and VOX Youths, refereed by Ledley King (photo credit: AIA Singapore)