SINGAPORE, 13 September 2025 – The annual SPD Ability Walk returned to the Civic District on Saturday, 13 September 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a double celebration with SG60. This year’s event featured a heritage-themed scavenger hunt, and for the first time, an accessible river cruise for participants with mobility challenges, reinforcing the message of inclusion.
The SPD Ability Walk is a fundraiser by disability-focused charity SPD, which provides a wide range of services for persons with disabilities, and those with disabling conditions, and their caregivers. Over the past decade, the event has brought together Singaporeans to raise awareness of disability inclusion, while generating support for SPD’s programmes.
This year’s event raised close to $550,000 with the Tote Board’s Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme’s matching grant, and saw a turnout of about 2,000 participants and volunteers.
“We are encouraged by the strong support from our corporate partners and the wider community, signaling a collective effort and growing commitment to building an inclusive Singapore together. Their generous contributions will help to sustain crucial programmes and services for persons with disabilities,” said Ms Ong Toon Hui, President, SPD.
Among the regular participants was Mr Terry Chong, a stroke survivor and trainee from the SPD Sheltered Workshop, who looks forward to the event every year. This year was especially memorable as Mr Chong, a wheelchair user, had the opportunity to take a cruise along the iconic Singapore River – an experience made accessible for the first time since Water B, Singapore River Cruise operator, supported the event last year. The 52-year-old and some SPD beneficiaries were joined by Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Eric Chua, Ministry of Social and Family Development who graced the occasion as Guest-of-Honour.
In line with the SG60 theme celebrations, participants explored the grounds of Asian Civilisations Museum and surrounding historical landmarks. At the carnival ground, they also experienced disability simulation activities, a signature feature of the event, designed to deepen public understanding of the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
“The SPD Ability Walk is one way of bringing people together and raising awareness and support for persons with disabilities. By creating more of such opportunities for interaction, we hope to foster greater understanding and acceptance,” added Ms Ong.