Orange Ribbon Run - Race Against Racism
29th September 2015
Back for a third year running, the Orange Ribbon Run, Singapore’s sole running event against racism, took place on 29th August 2015. A record number of 7,000 people made a stand against racism at this year’s Orange Ribbon Run and Setsco’s staffs were among the many that showed their support for the cause. Up from about 5,500 in 2014 and 5,000 in the race’s first Singapore edition in 2013, one could see that the Orange Ribbon Run initiative has garnered much more support and momentum from the public.
The Orange Ribbon Run is a ground up movement spearheaded by Onepeople.sg to promote racial and religious harmony in Singapore. Since the 1990s, the Orange Ribbon has been adopted by countries and groups of individuals as the symbol of harmony, equality and freedom. In Singapore, the Orange Ribbon is adopted as a symbol of respect, understanding, trust and friendship. The Orange Ribbon Run is a signature event and focal point to promote understanding, appreciation and trust among Singapore’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
Setsco's staff all donned in the Orange Ribbon Run T-Shirt and ready to give their best for the run.
On August 29, Setsco’s staffs laced up their shoes and made their way down to the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza for the Race against Racism. The run featured 3 different categories: a 10km competitive run, a 5km competitive run and a 3.5km family walk. Setsco’s staff took part in the run together and challenged themselves for the 5km competitive run which started at 4.30pm. It is a rare occasion for races to flag off at this timing due to Singapore’s hot and humid weather. Indeed, everyone was dripping in sweat even before the race officially started!
Nevertheless, some staff managed to clock in a commendable finishing time of 25 minutes for the 5km competitive run. Apart from the run, there were a good number of activities lined up on the event day. These included complimentary old-school snacks giveaway for runners, as well as various activities such as ketupat weaving, Chinese calligraphy and Hena painting.
Being Singapore’s only Race against Racism, the Orange Ribbon Run provides an excellent avenue for people of all ages, races and backgrounds to show their support for the cause. It provides an opportunity for people to express shared values and to foster a stronger sense of identity among the community. It was indeed a heartening sight to see people from all walks of life, races and cultures coming together to support this meaningful race.
