SINGAPORE'S largest synthetic ice rink will open to the public on Chinese New Year's eve - but the 'ice' is not ice.
It is built and managed by the Singapore Ice Hockey Association (SIHA).
The outdoor rink, which is 20m by 10m, is at the Stamford American International School (SAIS) in Lorong Chuan. An Olympic-sized rink is 60m by 30m.
The 'ice' is actually interlocking squares of white plastic sprayed with a mixture of silicone and water.
Ice skaters are able to slide across the surface, as if they are on machine-made ice.
Built at a cost of $65,000, the rink is only one-fifth the cost of regular indoor rinks. Maintenance is easier too.
You see ... Singapore always finds a solution!
I always remember a story from when I first moved to Singapore. An expat was telling me how his son was playing in an ice hockey league and how during the practice sessions and tournaments the hall used to be full. They were so excited that they had such an interest from the local community for a sport which is native to much colder climates. Until ... they realized that the spectators were there to keep cool. Ice Hockey was really not their interest :-)
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