SINGAPORE - The People's Association (PA) launched a programme on Sunday to enable Mountbatten and Jalan Besar residents to enjoy water and lifestyle activities around Marina Bay, as well as encourage them to use the water-related facilities there.

As part of the programme, close to 300 residents from Mountbatten and Jalan Besar tried out kayaking and dragon boating for free on Sunday morning at the PAssion WaVe @ Marina Bay, a PA "specialist" community club.

Those from low-income households were also treated to a free market, where they could choose to take home up to eight items ranging from clothes and books to rice cookers that were donated by other residents.

Mr Nick Teo, vice-chairman for PA Water-Venture Committee (Marina Bay) said: "We hope participants from all walks of life will also enjoy the water and lifestyle try-outs we have put together."

Said Minister for Communication and Information Yaacob Ibrahim, who was at the event: "There are a lot of open spaces. It's just your imagination that will limit what you can do."

Mountbatten resident Ken Lee, 47, attended the event with his wife and three kids. The family tried out canoeing and went home with toys, books and clothes from the free market.

"It's very interesting, we also made some terrariums at the workshop," he said.