A father bent down to tighten his child’s shoelaces. Nearby, another dad offered a quick high-five before stepping into the next challenge zone. A child looked up, grinning, waiting for the signal to begin.
These were simple, heartwarming moments familiar to many families: moments of bonding as they overcame challenges together, not necessarily perfectly, but side by side.
Over Father’s Day weekend, about 400 families to experience more of these moments at DADROX 2026: The Family Challenge, a first-of-its-kind family obstacle challenge where fathers and children took on a circuit together as one team.
Held on 20 and 21 June 2026 at The Canopy at Geneo, from 9am to 5pm, DADROX 2026 brought fathers, children and the wider community together for a weekend of movement, teamwork, and connection. The event was organised in partnership with Families for Life, in support of the National Family Festival 2026. The event was graced by Mr Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, as Guest-of-Honour.
More Than a Family Outing
Many family activities brought loved ones into the same space. DADROX went further by creating shared experiences where fathers and children moved together, thought together and cheered one another on. Across the course, family teams navigated eight challenge zones: Sync, Stability, Agility, Power, Stamina, Wits, Strength and Unity. At each zone, families earned a punch stamp before crossing the finish line together.
The stations were designed to be inclusive across ages and fitness levels, with activities such as synchronised box jumps, sled hauls, plank high-fives and family trivia. Each challenge tested a different part of family teamwork — communication, encouragement, trust, resilience and joy. Families moved through the course at their own pace, supporting one another through each station. The goal was not so much about completing the challenge, but creating memories in the process.
For many fathers, bonding with their children did not always happen through grand gestures. It often grew in ordinary moments, from showing up, listening, laughing, helping, to trying again and being present. DADROX was designed to create more of those moments.
“Everyday connection and teamwork build happy families,” said Dr Xander Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Fathering. “When parents and children take on challenges together, they build trust, strengthen communication, and bond.”
A Father’s Heart in Action
The DADROX weekend also marked the launch of The Heart of a Father by Dr Ken Canfield. Drawing on decades of evidence-based research involving thousands of fathers, the book explored what active fathering looks like in practice. Its message sat at the heart of Centre for Fathering’s work: fathers mattered deeply, and their presence, involvement and influence could shape a child’s life in lasting ways.
DADROX brought that message to life through shared effort, encouragement, and connection. Every step reminded a child that his or her dad was there — running alongside them, guiding them, solving challenges with them, and crossing the finish line together.