Over 9,000 runners from all walks of life joined in the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run on a bright Sunday morning, showing their support for the reintegration of former offenders in Singapore.
The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run, themed “The Road to Acceptance”, celebrated its 6th edition this year and took participants through a scenic 10km Competitive Run or a 6km Fun Run.
Giving Ex-Offenders a Second Chance
The run was flagged off by Ms Grace Fu, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, who also showed her support by participating in the 6km Fun Run.
The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run is 1 of the events under the Yellow Ribbon Project that encourages the acceptance of ex-offenders who have changed for the better. Among the runners this year were 9 visually and physically-challenged representatives from the Runninghour, a social interest group that fosters better integration between the less-privileged.
Mr Shariff Abdullah, also known as “SG Blade Runner”, also took part in the 10km Competitive Run. Shariff is a marathon enthusiast born without a left foot, and runs with a prosthetic blade.
Supporting Their Re-Integration into Society!
After the run, participants and members of the public celebrated the collective support for ex-offenders with a carnival held within the Changi Prison Complex, where they could view exhibits and performances showcasing the journey of inmates and ex-offenders in earning their acceptance into society.
Surpassing its goal of S$100,000, runners showed their generous support and raised S$130,000 for ex-offenders and their families. Winding through a unique run route that went through Changi Prison Complex for a good cause, the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run was definitely a big hit with runners!
