So did dozens more from various religions. They made new friends at the first inter-religious games day, organised by the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) and supported by the major religious groups.

Close to 1,000 people - about half of them Christian - turned up at Anglo-Chinese Junior College for futsal, netball and games such as limbo-rock relay.

'Some of us may feel reluctant to go for serious discussions with people from other faiths, but sports is a good way to help us break out of our comfort zones,' said Mr Tan, director of Christian welfare group Promised Land Community Services.

Views like his are not uncommon, said NCCS general-secretary Lim K. Tham.

'Some Christians are hesitant to join inter-faith activities because they say that since there is an unbridgeable chasm between religions, there is no point having a dialogue,' he said.

But NCCS leaders believe sports is a good ice-breaker.

Said its president, Bishop Robert Solomon: 'Some people fear coming together to talk about religion could lead to syncretism; others feel it's a bit forced having people of different religions on stage.

'But when we all let down our hair, sweat it out together, there's a natural bond that takes place. And once the friendship is formed, religious harmony will follow.'

The Taoist Federation will host next year's games.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, who attended the event, said such inter-faith games would also help Singapore prepare for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, 'when you play host to people of different countries and customs'.

Participants at the games had fun building bonds.

Financial adviser Mohanjit Singh, 26, found new football enthusiasts, while senior Mendaki executive Latiff Majeed, 49, got the chance to play in a mixed team with staff from other ethnic self-help groups.

zakirh@sph.com.sg