SPD Ability Walk & Run 2022 Draws Over 1,200 Participants to the Singapore River in…

More than 1,200 people participated in the SPD Ability Walk & Run 2022 on 3 Sep, raising close to $200,000 for persons with disabilities. 

 

SINGAPORE, 3 September 2022 –  More than 1,200 people participated in the SPD Ability Walk & Run 2022 this morning, raising close to $200,000 for persons with disabilities. 

Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, graced the event and witnessed the cheque presentations by corporate donors before kicking off the event along the Singapore River. 

A man putting on an eyewear and looking at a piece of paper with pictures
A participant wearing an eyewear and completing an exercise to simulate some of the challenges faced by persons with macular degeneration

Into its seventh year, the SPD Ability Walk & Run returned with a hybrid version after it continued virtually for two years during the pandemic. This is the first time that the event incorporated geo-location activities to enable participants to explore the iconic Singapore River and its vicinity in a fun and interactive way. Participants also got to better understand challenges faced by people with disabilities through simulation activities, which have been a mainstay at the SPD Ability Walk & Run. The SPD Ability Walk & Run 2022 – Virtual Edition will run from 4 September to 24 September. 

Excited by the return of the physical segment of the Walk, our beneficiaries stepped out of their comfort zone to complete personal challenges.  

A lady using a rollator to walk, with two ladies by her side
Karen (middle) participating in the Walk with her SPD occupational therapist (right) and a volunteer (left)

One of them is 26-year-old Karen Tey, who has cerebral palsy and Dandy-Walker Syndrome. A leathercrafting apprentice at SPD’s sheltered workshop programme, Karen uses a rollator to move around. Despite her walking difficulties, she pushed on with her friends and therapist cheering her on to complete the 1km target that she had set for herself. 

A man on wheelchair playing retro game Kendama, accompanied by a volunteer
Terance (left) engaging in Kendama, a retro game

Another beneficiary who decided to step out for charity was 47-year-old Terance Low. After training for a charity run 24 years ago, Terance contracted a viral infection in his brain, which permanently affected his ability to walk and speak. Currently attending SPD’s Day Activity Centre, Terance has found it hard to talk about the past, let alone to participate in charity runs and walkathons again. However, to raise funds and awareness for disability, Terance decided to put his personal tragedy aside to support the SPD Ability Walk & Run, his first of such events ever since he acquired his disability more than 20 years ago. 

Three individuals holding onto a cheque on stage
Guest-Of-Honour Minister Indranee Rajah at the cheque presentation with SPD President Ms Ong Toon Hui and TechnipFMC Vice President Manufacturing Operations Mr Roger Tan

“It is great to see many familiar faces back at the SPD Ability Walk & Run after two years of virtual editions. Our long-time partnership with SPD stems from our common belief in disability inclusion. We are excited to do our part to raise the much-needed funds for persons with disabilities, while promoting an active lifestyle among our employees,” said Mr Roger Tan, Vice President – Manufacturing Operations (Asia) of TechnipFMC, a long-time supporter of the Walk since its inception in 2016. 

“We are excited to be able to resume large scale events in person once again.  We are also heartened to see many individuals and corporates rally for greater disability inclusion in Singapore. We hope that the SPD Ability Walk & Run will raise the level of understanding of the disability community. With the steadfast support of the community, SPD can continue to strengthen our efforts in enabling persons with disabilities to live, work and participate in community life,” said Ms Ong Toon Hui, SPD President. 

Funds raised through the SPD Ability Walk & Run 2022 will go towards SPD’s programmes and services to empower persons with disabilities.