As many as 800 alumni and their family members escape the soaring heat as they enjoy the rides at Wild Wild Wet on NTU Alumni Family Day 2009.

As temperature soars, what better way for NTU alumni to cool themselves down than to enjoy the thrilling rides at Wild Wild Wet with their families and fellow alumni? And that is just what they did, splashing in the welcoming waters during the NTU Alumni Family Day held on 23 May.

To spur on the participants, Senior Associate Provost, Professor Er Meng Hwa addressed them at the start of the event. "We believe that 'A family that plays together stays together'. Through play, we form bonds that will strengthen the lifelong relationship even further. This, I believe, is a good start to family bonding, networking with friends and establishing contacts," he said.

And with a burst of confetti, Prof Er, accompanied by Mr Soon Min Yam, Director of NTU Alumni Affairs, officially open the Day.

The alumni and their families wasted no time in getting into the thick of action. While some formed groups to participate in the telematch at the Tsunami area, the courageous of the lot went for thrilling rides such as the Ular-Lah, which is the first raft slide in Southeast Asia. Others challenged themselves on the Waterworks, a high-speed flume ride, with wacky curves and crazy turnings. As for alumni who had younger children, they found themselves at the "tame" Professor's Playground.

It was not all wet and wild fun. Participants were also treated to some "dry" fun, for a segment of Wild Wild Wet was transformed into a grand carnival. There were game stalls, tattoo painting and balloon sculpting. Many played and tried their luck at the game stalls. Many more ate. Young and old alike were seen slurping ice-creams, licking candy floss and gobbling down popcorns served at the carnival.

Mr Philip Ong, alumnus from the School of Computer Engineering's Class of 1992, had an enjoyable time.

"I came with my wife and son and we find this (NTU Alumni Family Day) a good event for the family. I also found it a good deal. The admission fee to Wild Wild Wet was generously subsidised, thanks to the organiser, NTU's Alumni Affairs Office. My boy and I went for several water rides and we were hardly dry. The water sure provided relief from the hot weather. We also tried our hands at the carnival games stalls set up for the Day, and were glued to the stage when the Lucky Draw prizes were announced. We didn't win though. There's always next year," he enthused.

While the official event ended with lunch and a lucky draw, many of the alumni stayed back to enjoy the cool water.

© Alumni Affairs Office