HWA’s annual event sees a strong turnout.
Contributed By Jeremy Chua
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| PHOTO COURTESY OF HANDICAPS WELFARE ASSOCIATION |
Running strong for 26 years, the annual Wheel, Walk, or Jog event, organized by the Handicaps Welfare Association was held on July 4. With HWA being adopted by the National Parks Board as their charity of choice, it was thus fitting to hold the WWJ 2010 against the beautiful backdrop of West Coast Park.
WWJ 2010 drew a strong crowd which included participants from all walks of life. Guest of Honor, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Yeo flagged off the participants who were made up of individuals from the public, as well as representatives from various organizations including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Parks Board and the Singapore Armed Forces. Not to be missed out were 200 members from the HWA on wheelchairs.
Making their way along a route that wound through West Coast Park, runners and joggers were treated to the sights of the recently face-lifted park. More riveting than the usual scene of people jogging and strolling were the wheelchairs maneuvering through the park. Whether or not they were assisted, the wheelchair users enraptured the casual park-goer, and earned many encouraging and approving looks.
Since its inception in 1969, HWA has moved far beyond its humble beginnings to provide services to greatly enhance the members’ lives. Services span from rehabilitation therapy to transportation for the physically disabled; from vocational training that provides for the members’ physical needs to organizing activities encompassing sports activities, music and the arts, so as to liven up their days. All these programs have the same core purpose: to equip and enable members to live independently.
Not content to sit back and rest on its laurels, HWA, together with its partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAF Football Club, and the National Parks Board, held WWJ 2010 as an event to help raise funds for HWA, to support its plans to further improve the range and quality of services that members receive. At the same time, members are encouraged to play an active role in the fundraising events so that they too will feel a sense of empowerment and ownership.
After the invigorating jaunt through the park, participants and the public alike were treated to special performances and had the chance to take part in activities and games while soaking in the lush greenery and the relaxing atmosphere at the West Coast Park.
