On 1 September 2018, some 60 members of the Soka Volunteers Group (SVG) gathered bright and early in the morning for the SPD Ability Walk 2018. The 3km walk, which took the participants through the historic Singapore River provided an opportunity for people of diverse background to walk together and promoted inclusion and awareness of physical disabilities. The Guest of Honour was Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Communications and Information. Approximately 1,000 people across all ages took part in the walk.
SSA SVG volunteers took on various roles including route marshals to facilitate the smooth running of the event and carrying message boards that broadcast inclusive messages to the public.Though it started to pour mid-way through the event, the volunteers continued to do their utmost in fulfilling their duties in high spirits.
Mr Patrick Yap, a SVG volunteer shares his impression:
“The rain did not vanquish the high spirits of the participants and volunteers. Instead, our volunteers put on the poncho and continued encouraging the participants not to give up completing the walk! This volunteering experience is very meaningful to me as I was able to witness the spirit of perseverance in the participants.”
This is the first time the SSA SVG is supporting the SPD Ability Walk which is into its third run this year.
