Speech by President S R Nathan at the Launch of President’s Challenge 2008

Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

1        It gives me great pleasure to be here today to launch the President’s Challenge 2008.  The President’s Challenge is now into its ninth year, marking almost a decade of sharing, caring and giving for the less fortunate in our society.  The President’s Challenge has raised a total of 62 million dollars for more than 400 beneficiaries over the last eight years.

2        Last year was a truly exceptional one.  We received just over 12 million dollars in donations.  This, of course, would not have been possible without the continued support of our corporate partners and the generosity of Singaporeans.  When companies and individuals benefited from the robust performance of the economy last year, they shared their good fortune with those who were not-so-fortunate.  On behalf of the beneficiaries, I would like to say ‘Thank you, Singapore’.  I am confident that we will once again be able to raise another $8 million for beneficiaries this year.  This sum will provide critical support in key areas of need such as services for the family, youth, people with disabilities and the elderly.

3        We have come a long way since 2000.  In its earlier years, the Challenge used to be confined to a narrow window focused on just a few fundraising events.  The emphasis was skewed towards raising funds and achieving the monetary target.  But we have evolved.  Now, President’s Challenge-related events and activities span almost an entire year, raising awareness of the beneficiaries among the public, and providing more opportunities for the public to give their time and resources to the various causes.

4        Thus, I set a new target last year – to encourage Singaporeans – at least 250,000 of you – to give your time, to come forward and participate in the President’s Challenge in any way you can.

5        I must admit that initially I was somewhat apprehensive about the target of 250,000 participants.  All of us lead very busy lives and while we would like to do more, it is usually easier to simply make a donation of cash, rather than of our time.

6        So I was quite overwhelmed when the year came to a close and I was told that you had responded enthusiastically.  260,000 people came forward and I applaud our partner organisers who have begun to involve more staff and their families in PC events.  This year, I would like to invite Singaporeans to reach out and touch someone’s life once again.  I am confident that beyond the 260,000 people, more will come forward to support President’s Challenge and serve in anyway they can.

7        To remain relevant and sustainable, the President’s Challenge must continuously innovate and come up with inspiring ideas to involve people and novel ways of raising funds to help the needy.  Some organisations are planning some interesting ways to raise funds and create awareness this year.  Once they are firmed up, you will find the events on the President’s Challenge website, which has recently been revamped.

8        I would like to urge organisations and individuals to explore new ways of spreading the President’s Challenge message and to join the fund-raising activities.

9        The People’s Association (PA) is one such organisation that has been regularly spreading the President’s Challenge message through a variety of platforms.  This year, the PA is actively promoting community sports through the Constituency Sports Clubs and Water-Venture outlets to bring people who share common sports interests together.  Today at the launch of the President’s Challenge 2008, 8,000 participants of different abilities and backgrounds have come together to take part in sporting activities such as mass walking, kayaking and dragon boating, to have fun and raise funds for President’s Challenge.

10        I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the People’s Association for co-organising this event.

11        I would also like to express my appreciation to Singapore Pools and the Singapore Totalisator Board, the Challenge Sponsors for 2008.  They have once again stepped forward to generously support and cover the costs of the President’s Challenge.

12        It now gives me great pleasure to launch President’s Challenge 2008.  I wish all of you an enjoyable, sporting evening.