Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the CSC 45th Anniversary Virtual Event Launch

I am pleased to launch Sweat2gether, Stay2gether, the 45^th Anniversary Virtual Event of Community Sports Club (CSC). This event is organised by the People’s Association CSC Council and CSCs, in support of President’s Challenge 2021.

The People’s Association (PA) has been a steadfast supporter of the President’s Challenge since 2001 and has been actively organising fund-raising projects to help President’s Challenge beneficiaries.

Sports encourages people of all ages, races and backgrounds to participate, keep active and stay healthy. It enables friendships and inculcates values such as mutual respect, trust and teamwork. More importantly, sports creates a common space for everyone in the community to bond over a shared love for sports.

As we adapt to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, organising sports activities itself has become a new ‘ballgame’. I am heartened to know that the strong and dedicated PA network is still active during this challenging period. As Network Managers, PA’s CSCs have been working closely with community partners, sports facility operators and online communities to continue engaging the community through physical and virtual programmes.

Sports can also be a platform to support social causes and help the less fortunate. For instance, Nee Soon East CCC and CSC organised ‘Khatib Bongsu Together’ in April this year, where residents could kayak and clean up the coast at the same time. Another example is this virtual event, which rallies the community to raise funds for the vulnerable while taking part in various sports activities.

The theme for President’s Challenge this year is “Building a Digitally Inclusive Society”. In line with this theme, PA’s CSCs are organising this virtual event to make sports accessible to all, including the less fortunate and those with disabilities. The event also aims to bridge the community through sports and encourage digitalisation of community engagement. Be it by walking, running or cycling, everyone can download an app and clock their distances as they exercise in their own time.

I am glad that the PA is harnessing the efforts of the community to come up with programmes that not only encourage everyone to keep healthy, but also strengthen community bonds by reaching out to the vulnerable groups and including them in their activities.

Do rally your friends and family to take part in the virtual activities together, or simply pledge your support to this year’s President’s Challenge by visiting Giving.SG.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for being a part of President’s Challenge again this year. Your generosity and support are important to our efforts to help the less fortunate in our society. I look forward to PA’s continued support as we continue to build a more caring and inclusive community. Thank you.