Wheelathon360 - Wheels For Fun(d)

Facebook Photos: CK Chin (1), CK Chin (2), CK Chin (3), AC Leong, Mohan, David Ong

Supporter Photos: Tun Ngoh, Tan Kim Lai, Irene Lim, Air Vongxayasy

It was a first for Singapore...Wheelathon360 - an initiative mooted by the Handcycling Association Singapore (HAS) to integrate able-bodied sportsmen with the wheelchair athletes in a movement to create awareness in the community as well as raise funds for the furtherment of wheelchair sports and encouragement for disabled athletes to engage in handcycling and wheelchair sports to lead active lifestyles.

When HiVelocity, who kindly led with the organization of the whole event asked if Team FatBird would like to be a part of this, we immediately said yes and started to think of having a team to run against one of the fastest wheelchair athletes in Singapore.  There were a few highlights around the program, one of which was to have the fastest marathoner and cyclists in Singapore pitch against the fastest wheelchair athletes in a friendly race to create some excitement for the cause.  There would be a culmination of many teams of fund-raising able-bodied wheelchair noobies out to challenge one another in a mass wheelchair relay, all doing it for a good cause to raise funds for the Singapore Disabilities Sports Council (SDSC).

The 2 months of campaigning and publicity to spread the word by mouth and social media went pretty well, with teams like Wheels For Fun(d) drawing in close to $30,000 in cash donations, as well the participation of many generous corporate teams and sponsorships.  There were a number of roadshows and trials for the able-bodied public to understand the challenges of manouvring in wheelchairs, not to mention racing in specially-made handcycles and wheelchairs.  Team FatBird had a chance for some hands-on with the handcycles and wheelchairs at the Roadshow @ Big Splash a week before the main event, and we were glad many of our marathon trainees had the opportunity to try their hands at a different sport, as well as show support and sponsorship for the cause.

There was heavy rainfall on the day of the main event @ F1 Pit Building on Nov 12, with reports of flashfloods in various parts of the island.  However, the participants and supporters braved their way down in spite, knowing that we had to be there because of the importance of our presence and support.  Members of the HAS and friends were ready early on, and when we arrived, they were just going about for warm-ups and checking out the race route...such was the seriousness and commitment paid to the event and the challenge...we were in awe and certainly glad we did not miss the event just because of some inclement weather.

It was great to see so many friends, volunteers, supporters and participants at F1 Pit, some coming in from overseas just for this event.  Even the VIPs and GOH were early, mingling and chatting with the participants and supporters.  By the time the rain was subdued, the Junior Handcyclists started off the afternoon's proceedings with an interesting race, getting the crowd warmed up and cheering.

Then it was the Runners vs Wheelers segment, where we had Jason Lawrence pitch himself against one of the fastest Wheelers, Mohd. Firdaus.  It finished very close with the two crossing the finish line almost together.  Then it was Team FatBird vs Jack Lai.  Jack, with his bulging muscles, shot off in a jiffy, but not before asking the FatBirds to take care in the slippery grounds - such was the sportsmanship and care that this event showcased.  In the end, the FatBirds were just 30s shy of crossing the line with Jack...well done to the Wheelers.  The third run segment had Sky Khoo race against yet another fast Wheeler, and Sky was just as close to finishing off in an exciting race.

The next stage had the able-bodied bikers race against the fast Handcyclists.  The likes of Adrian Mok, Jerry Seah vs Fung Liang and his formidable team of handcyclists, in 2 1-1 races which saw the finishes evenly matched.  It was great fun to see the able-bodied Wheelers picth their skills against the Handcycles (which are known to go to 20-30km/h).

After the excitement of the first part of the race, new members of the HAS and public had a go at the handcycles - and it was just challenging to even move them forward to say the least.  All had fun cheering and snapping photos, and more wished they could try out those nifty handcycles as well.  By about 6pm, it was time for the highlight of the afternoon - the Wheelchair Relay of about 30 teams (each with 5-6 able-bodied members) pitting their skills against one another on the wheelchairs.

From the looks of it, maybe only 2-3 teams had some prior experience and training on them.  Fortunately, Fung Liang, president of HAS was on hand to give them some pointers and words of encouragement.  There were lots of spills, thrills and laughter for this segment, and it was no mean feat for the able-bodied wheelers just to be able to complete their portions of the relay intact - in fact many of them suffered minor bruises and cuts to the palms and fingers, but were still in good spirits as they all did it for a good cause and had so much fun too.

When the races ended at bout 7pm, the weather was cool and dry, as we all proceeded to the large tent to a sumptious BBQ course to high-spirited music by live bands.  There were more contributions and donations  from the participants and supporters as they enjoyed a good meal in great company, as well as getting some souvenirs to keep the memories of this inaugural Wheelathon360.  There were loud cheers of  'Yum Seng' and merry-making as congratulations went round to the success of the event and the appreciation for the initiation and appreciation for such a meaningful project by the HAS and HiVelocity.  Team FatBird is glad we were able to play a small part in this initiative, and we look forward to participating in the next one -
3 Cheers To Wheelathon360 - Hip, Hip, Hooray!