Singapore, 1 September 2024 – The SPD Ability Walk 2024 saw a record turnout of more than 2,000 participants, raising a total of $418,000 with the Tote Board matching grant, to support persons with disabilities or who may develop disabling conditions. Held at the grounds of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and along the historical Singapore River, the event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Held in conjunction with SPD’s diamond jubilee celebrations, this edition of the SPD Ability Walk paid tribute to SPD’s six decades of progress and an on-going commitment to create an inclusive society that includes persons with disabilities. The post-Walk carnival also made a return to the event this year after a four-year hiatus, adding to the fun factor for participants.

Funds raised, the highest amount for this fundraiser since its inception in 2016, will be channeled towards SPD’s programmes and services, which aim to enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities and their families, enabling them to be integrated into mainstream society.

“The SPD Ability Walk 2024 is a celebration of our community’s dedication to inclusivity and empowerment. As we mark SPD’s 60^th anniversary, we are reminded of the progress we have made in advocating for and supporting persons with disabilities. We are very grateful to all our donors, sponsors, volunteers and participants for making the SPD Ability Walk 2024 one of our most successful editions to date,” said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer, SPD.

Creating opportunities for interaction and generating greater understanding and acceptance of persons with disabilities in the community have been among the main goals of the SPD Ability Walk. To this end, disability simulation activities have been a mainstay of this event. These activities were incorporated into the 3-km route and carnival programme to raise awareness of the possible challenges faced by people with disabilities. For instance, participants were invited to take on the five-stones challenge while wearing peripheral goggles, or to try using golf clubs modified to simulate impairments faced by persons with disabilities, such as impaired motor co-ordination, muscle weakness, spasticity and dyskinesia. These simulation activities have become a hallmark of the SPD Ability Walk, reinforcing the event’s focus on inclusivity and empathy.

“I’m happy to participate in this SPD Ability Walk with my friends from SPD. The Singapore River looks very different from how it was in the earlier years when I was young. Now that my legs are weaker, it has been more than five years since I last came to the river,” said 80-year-old Mr Yip Kim Chow, client at SPD@Toa Payoh senior care centre since May 2022.

“We are honoured to continue our support for SPD through the SPD Ability Walk 2024. This event perfectly aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusivity and raising awareness for persons with disabilities. Our partnership with SPD reflects our shared values, and we are proud to contribute to a cause that makes a real difference in the community,” said Mr Roger Tan, Vice President – Manufacturing Operations APME of TechnipFMC, which has been supporting the Walk since it began in 2016.

Another long-time SPD supporter who has increased their support for the SPD Ability Walk this year is Exyte.

“At Exyte, we are proud to have a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognise that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed. We believe in creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, we are dedicated to supporting local communities by partnering SPD since 2008. Supporting the SPD Ability Walk is a meaningful way for us to engage with the community and promote disability inclusion. We are proud to stand alongside SPD in their mission to empower persons with disabilities and contribute to the success of this inspiring event,” said Ms Tan Siok Peng, Senior Vice President Finance (APAC) of Exyte.

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