Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry

Mr Roger Tan, Vice President Manufacturing Asia Pacific & Middle East, TechnipFMC

Partners, donors, volunteers, and participants,

1. Good morning and thank you for turning up, bright and early in full force for SPD Ability Walk 2024. And I am thankful for the glorious sunshine. As President of SPD, I am always encouraged by the strong show of solidarity from caring and like-minded members of the community like all of you here today.

2. Today’s Walk is special because it is one of the celebratory events marking SPD’s 60^th anniversary this year. SPD has a very humble beginning in 1964. It started as a small sheltered workshop in Tiong Bahru providing employment opportunities for persons with physical disabilities. Over time, the organisation grew and flourished, making a greater impact on the social landscape in Singapore. We are now 550 strong, and operate out of 10 locations across Singapore, offering over 20 programmes and services including early intervention, education support, vocational training, employment support, therapy, as well as day care and senior care services. Every year, we serve over 11,000 beneficiaries, mainly persons with disabilities and those with disabling conditions.

3. This year alone, we opened two new early intervention centres in Kembangan and Jurong West for preschool children with developmental needs, and a senior care centre in Canberra. We will soon launch another senior care centre in Melody Spring in Yishun. These additional locations enable us to bring services and support closer to the individuals in need.

4. Our achievements are only possible because of the unwavering support of donors and volunteers who believe in our cause and back us up throughout the journey. For this walk, we are thrilled to have more than 2,200 participants comprising 23 corporate donors and close to 300 volunteers. A record by far and enabled us to raise a total of $418,010, including Tote Board matching!

5. On behalf of SPD, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors and supports. Your generosity and commitment are vital to our mission and we deeply value your partnership in empowering the lives of persons with disabilities.

6. A special shout-out goes to our long-time supporters including:

• TechnipFMC,
• Exyte Singapore,
• Phillips 66, and
• Dabo Corporation

7. We also warmly welcome our new donors. Whether longstanding or new, your contributions make a significant difference in the work we do at SPD.

8. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, towards 70 or 80 years old, our ask is that you continue to partner with us in realising the vision of the national Enabling Masterplan, creating more opportunities and possibilities for persons with disabilities in our communities.

9. To our Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State Mr Alvin Tan, thank you for support by gracing us with your presence and for flagging off this event.

10. And to all walk participants – whether new or returning – thank you for joining us on this journey. As we set off today, let’s walk with purpose and gratitude, knowing that together, we are making a difference. Thank you once again for being here. Have an enjoyable Sunday morning!