$270,000 raised for persons with disabilities with the additional support from the Tote Board Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme

SINGAPORE, 2 September 2023 – The Singapore River precinct came alive early this morning as over 1,000 people turned up to support the SPD Ability Walk & Run 2023, raising $270,000 for persons with disabilities. Guest-of-Honour Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs graced the event and witnessed the cheque presentations by corporate donors before flagging off the event.

Organiser of the event, SPD, a local charity that supports persons with disabilities, gave the walkathon a twist by converting the conventional runners’ bib into a ‘message board’. Participants were invited to design, draw, and write on their bib to introduce themselves, pen down a short phrase to share their thoughts about disability inclusion, or brighten up someone’s day with a message of encouragement.

Among the participants were close to 30 trainees from the SPD Sheltered Workshop, including Madam Pang Lee Lee. The 61-year-old drew two penguins with the Chinese words “Happiness and joy every single day”, her wish for the other participants.

“It has been so many years since I last visited the Singapore River, I have forgotten how it looks like. It is so clean now. I have not attended many events since the pandemic, so I am happy to be here today,” said Madam Pang who participated in the event accompanied by a volunteer.

Fellow sheltered workshop trainee, Norhissam Bin Kusaeni, introduced himself as “cheerful” and “helpful” and a “full-time Chelsea fan”, and wished everyone a fun-filled morning at the Walk.

One of the first few charity events in Singapore that has incorporated geo-location activities, the SPD Ability Walk & Run enabled 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 involving the use of communication cards and a one-hand challenge. Such simulation activities have been a mainstay of this Walk.

“The SPD Ability Walk & Run is an event that we look forward to every year. It’s a day where we have the privilege of being alongside individuals with disabilities, raising awareness and advocating for them. It’s heartening to see the diversity and inclusion we can promote through this event, making a difference in our communities. We’re proud to be able to contribute to this meaningful cause by involving many of our employees as volunteers,” said Mr Roger Tan, Vice President – Manufacturing Operations at TechnipFMC Singapore, a long-time supporter of the Walk since its inception in 2016.

“This event is a celebration of our commitment to make a difference and accept those who may be different from us. Let this also be a reminder that every step we take moves us closer to a more inclusive society that welcomes people of all abilities. We are grateful to all our supporters especially TechnipFMC for being our staunch champions and partnering us in bringing the message of inclusion to the community at large,” said Ms Ong Toon Hui, SPD President.

Funds raised through the SPD Ability Walk & Run 2023 will go towards SPD’s programmes and services to empower persons with disabilities.

The SPD Ability Walk & Run 2023 – Virtual Edition which was first introduced in 2020 ran from 14 August to 1 September, attracted more than 2,200 participants.