The Force was with SMA, and the Association was one with the Force on 15 December 2016. It's not what you're thinking though. We're not referring to the emergence of storm troopers, rebels or other warriors from the intergalactic world at 2 College Road. The Force was strong with the Association last month at Golden Village Great World City instead, as SMA Members enjoyed subsidised tickets to the premiere screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as part of the fourth edition of our annual SMA Members' Appreciation Nite. The Association also hosted our committee members and volunteers, in appreciation of their time and dedication to the work of SMA over the past year.
Online registration for tickets to the SMA Members' Appreciation Nite 2016 started in September 2016, as soon as we secured a cinema theatre for the premiere screening of this latest Star Wars movie. Within a few days after registration commenced, all 507 tickets to the premiere screening of, what was arguably the blockbuster of the year, were snapped up.
On the day of the event, the level of enthusiasm among our members and guests was at an all-time high. As early as 5 pm, a ticket collection queue had already formed! Despite the overcrowded reception area due to two other events held concurrently, the queue swiftly dispersed, thanks to our cooperative members and guests as well as staff of the SMA Secretariat, who handed out those highly vied tickets in a timely and efficient fashion.
After collecting their complimentary popcorn and drink combo sets, guests began entering the cinema hall at 6.40 pm. Excited chatter filled the spacious theatre as SMA Members and guests caught up with old friends. When the iconic StarWars introduction appeared on screen, waves of applause and cheers broke out in the dark, with everyone highly anticipating what was to come.
[Spoiler alert] As the movie wrapped up, loud gasps were heard from the surprised moviegoers when they found themselves face to face with none other than the young Princess Leia, who declared after receiving the Death Star plans that she had been handed "HOPE!", sparking yet another round of cheers from the appreciative audience. Indeed, a rebellion built on hope had arisen out of the ashes!
To our supportive members and dedicated committee members who helped make 2016 a great year for SMA, we say a big 'thankyou'! May the Force (continue to) be with you in 2017!