Titled ‘Every Step Counts’ and organised as part of the Singapore 2010 CAN! (Create Action Now) Festivals in celebration of YOG, the 24-hour charity marathon took place at TJC’s sports field with Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan as the Guest of Honour.
MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH & SPORTS VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN JOINING IN THE RUN
Despite their incredibly busy schedule one day before the event, we at Youth.SG were lucky enough to be able to speak with the team.
THE GUYS WHO MADE THE 24 HOUR MARATHON A POSSIBILITY
Youh.SG: Why a 24-hour relay marathon? How did the team decide on that?
TJC Team: We wanted a sporting event as all six of us are from sports CCA’s. So sports was something that we are comfortable with. We had ideas such as a swim-athon, a concert or a carnival. But in the end we realised that a marathon would be the more practical idea.
And why a run to support Operation Smile Singapore?
Operation Smile Singapore needed our funds more than anything else. I’m sure our money can go a long way in helping these children receive the treatment they need. Living in Singapore, this is like a surreal truth about other countries. We hope to be able to do this little bit for them.
How will money be raised?
Most of the money would come from contributions. We would also get money from the registration fees and the sale of carnival coupons. We would be drawing in 20 per cent of the revenue earned, and the rest would go to Operation Smile Singapore.
What is the target of the event?
We set out three objectives for the event. Firstly to raise awareness for Operation Smile Singapore, secondly to be able to make a difference to the children and lastly to show everyone what 17 or 18 year-old students are capable of.
How much do you aim to receive?
We intend to raise around $10, 000.
What were the difficulties or challenges faced when organising the event?
Publicity wise, I think we lack the capacity to reach out to many people. We were also made to complete the whole project within four months. On top of that, we had school, nationals and exams to keep us busy.
Was it hard to get people to perform for the event?
Yes, it was quite difficult. Because of our tight schedules, we could not really finalise things early. So a lot of performers pulled out, some of them only at the last minute. We had to react to changes all the time.
ENTERTAINING THE CROWD WITH THEIR ELEGANT MOVES
It was definitely a feat for us, but I guess we are all very resilient, we did not want to give up the event as a lot of effort, time and money were put into this. We also had the support of a lot of teachers as well. So we didn’t want to let it go to waste just because of school. I guessed the obstacles we faced made us stronger.
Why did the team decide embarking on this project?
It started off as a service learning project for us, but gradually it became more than just a project. We wanted to show people what we are capable of doing. Furthermore, we wanted to do something exciting and exclusive. If we don’t do this in JC, I don’t know when we will get to do it.
Any plans to take part in future CAN! events?
Definitely!
Regardless of how much money they’ve managed to raise, the team from Temasek Junior College can hold their heads up high knowing that they have done an incredible feat. They have indeed proven to us what 16, 17 year-old students are capable of. M
matthew[a]youth.sg
Matthew is mad about football, loves to shop and is always guilty of overeating
Written by Matthew Lee, on Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Published in : YOG, Olympic Picks
Article credited to http://www.youth.sg/content/view/7015/71/
No comments:
Post a Comment