Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies,
Mr Roel Faes, Chairman, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Donors, partners, volunteers, friends, and participants.
Good morning, everyone.
- It is my pleasure to welcome you to SparkAbility 2026: A Walk for Change.
- As Chairman SPD, I have participated in and addressed many SPD Ability Walk over the years. But this year’s edition is very special. It is the first time that SPD Ability Walk and SOS’s Spark the Change Fest are partnering in a combined event.
- Although our organisations champion different causes and serve different communities, we are united by a common belief: that everyone deserves to feel included, supported, and heard.
- This partnership conveys a statement that no one should face life’s challenges alone.
- For SPD, it means empowering persons with disabilities to participate fully in school, work, and community life. For SOS, it means ensuring that anyone facing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts knows that help is available and that someone is always ready to listen.
- Disability inclusion and suicide prevention are connected by a common human need: to belong. Whether someone faces physical or social barriers, emotional distress, stigma or fear, our response must be the same – to see the person, listen without judgement, and offer support early.
- Together, SPD and SOS bring over 100 years of combined experience serving Singaporeans. Through SparkAbility, we hope to deepen understanding, build empathy, and create a society where no one feels left behind.
- I am happy to share that, through your generous support, we have raised more than $780,000 for the programmes and services of SPD and SOS. Thank you for making this possible.
- I would like to express my appreciation to Minister Ong for joining us today, and to all our donors, sponsors, and partners for believing in this shared cause. It is a big step towards helping to build a more inclusive, caring, and resilient Singapore.
- And to every volunteer and participant here this morning: thank you. Your presence sends a powerful message to those who are struggling, feeling excluded, or facing life’s challenges today. That there is a community who have heard them and cared for them. Together, let us spark change, inspire hope, and make every step count.
- Thank you, and enjoy the walk and the park.