One of the reasons (there were other reasons, of course) I started organising jigsaw puzzle events under my WengsWorld brand was that I couldn't find any jigsaw puzzle competitions to take part in. However, organising my own competitions didn't really solve my 'problem', as I chose never to take part in my own events.
So it was really good news when Bee Yong (from my jigsaw puzzle community) informed me that there was a jigsaw puzzle competition organised by the National Environment Agency and the South East Community Development Council on 15 Nov 2014. I quickly formed a team with Dorothy and Chloe (both regular participants at my events) and signed up to take part in this South East Clean and Green Singapore Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge.
When I got to the competition venue, I was actually quite anxious. I understood what it was like for the participants to my jigsaw puzzle competitions. When I was the organiser, my anxiety was always to get the event running smoothly. As a participant however, my anxiety was in wanting to do well. And on that day...........I was a participant!
When the competition started, the 3 of us attacked the 360pc puzzle! Despite our best efforts however, our team came in second at the end of the 1 hour time limit, just 7 pieces behind the winning team (Bee Yong and her son and daughter). We were that close!
[Picture taken from http://www.customizedpuzzle.sg]
Overall, it was a great experience being a participant again. I rode the coattails of Dorothy and Chloe, my more competent team-mates. The prizes were very attractive (certainly more 'expensive' than those offered at my competitions.......haha), but there was a slight hitch in the prize-giving ceremony. I also met others who had previously taken part in my events.
Looking forward to the next opportunity when I can be a participant again!
