Virtual Run for Heroes 2020 to build solidarity and support for frontliners in the battle against COVID-19

Run for Heroes 2020 is a groundbreaking virtual running initiative that aims to build a national movement of support for Singapore’s healthcare and service frontliners during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Supported by Sport Singapore (SportSG) through the Active Enabler Programme (AEP) and #SGUnited, the event will run from today to 8 August 2020.

The event is co-organised by leading Singapore sports and wellness management company Orange Room and sports marketing consultancy Novastella, with the aim of building a movement that transcends sports to create a real and tangible impact. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact all around the world. In Singapore, lives and businesses have been disrupted. Our frontline and healthcare heroes have worked incredibly hard and put their lives at risk for months now to keep us safe,” said Orange Room managing director Elvin Ting,

“This initiative is our way of showing our solidarity and support for our frontliners. We want to start a nationwide movement to celebrate a collective community spirit by rallying individuals from all background and walks of life to run for someone else in a show of support to those who are fighting the virus outbreak on our behalf.”

Making a real impact

Run for Heroes 2020 aims to create a direct and tangible expression of the collective gratitude of Singaporeans and all who live in Singapore for the frontline heroes. To celebrate this community spirit as participants pledge their support for the nation’s frontliners, participants will be entitled to two iconic red and white wristbands that will serve as a unifying symbol of support in the collective fight against COVID-19.

Besides being Singapore’s national colours, red represents our common blood and unity of purpose and is also the international colour symbolising medical aid. White represents the traditional colour of uniforms worn by nurses and doctors.

Upon completion of a 1-kilometre run, one wristband will be sent to the participants and the other will be sent to a frontline hero with a personalised message of thanks as an expression of gratitude. Besides medical professionals, these frontline heroes include individuals such as our cleaners, security staff, transport workers and staff manning the quarantine and isolation facilities. Wearing the wristbands allow everyone living in Singapore – from the frontliners to the people they protect and serve – to have a visible and recognisable symbol that will connect all of us in a spirit of unity and solidarity, and remind us of the challenges we will face and overcome together.

“The reason why we chose a relatively doable distance of 1 kilometre is to ensure that everyone who wants to can be a part of this initiative. The COVID-19 outbreak has hit all of us, and we should all do our part to thank and support the frontliners,” said Novastella director Nicholas Fang.

Run for Heroes is a non-profit initiative and seeks to raise funds for The Courage Fund, which provides relief and support to all who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’m heartened to see many organisations and individuals showing their support for our frontliners in their own ways amidst the COVID-19 situation. Run for Heroes 2020 is one such initiative that rallies Singaporeans to show their appreciation for frontliners and raises funds for The Courage Fund. In such extraordinary times, we need to stand united to overcome the challenge of COVID-19. Let us continue to look out and care for one another, especially those in need. Let’s stay strong, Singapore,” said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Ms Grace Fu.

Run for Heroes 2020 is also supported by SportSG’s Active Enabler Programme (AEP) Grant. A part of the annual GetActive! Singapore campaign, the AEP currently has a focus on encouraging Singaporeans to stay active and united while observing safe distancing measures through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are happy that Orange Room and Novastella have come forth to organise ‘Run for Heroes 2020’, which will encourage citizens to GetActive! while showing support for our frontline workers. It is important that we all make a conscious effort to stay active and emerge stronger together as One Team Singapore. Projects like this will not only celebrate our people’s resilience, but also our solidarity in the fight against COVID-19,” said Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO, SportSG.

Run for Heroes 2020 aims to attract 500,000 runners and to distribute a total of one million wristbands before the event concludes on August 8, a day before Singapore’s National Day. In order to commemorate the entire nation coming together behind a common cause. All participants and frontliners are encouraged to wear their wristbands as Singapore celebrates National Day on August 9.

“SingPost is proud to support the Run for Heroes campaign. As a frontline agency, our postmen, couriers and Post Office team members serve the public every day, delivering an essential service to the public despite the risks posed to themselves. Through this very meaningful campaign, we hope to join the nation in showing our appreciation to our frontliners, as well as to the thousands of other unsung heroes who have carried us through this challenging period,” said Mr Robin Goh, SingPost Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer.

The Power of Music

All around the world, people have turned to music as a way to stay connected with one another. To mark the launch of Run for Heroes 2020, the event has adopted as its official theme song, an original composition by popular local music duo Jack and Rai, fittingly titled “Hero”. The song was originally launched in 2018, and carries meaningful lyrics and an uplifting anthemic melody that matches the ethos and mission of Run for Heroes 2020 perfectly.

“We’re ecstatic to be part of this special event which offers a mix of sport and music with a social cause. We love that the event brings people together virtually, and we’re glad that our song, ‘Hero’, is being used as a tribute to our frontline heroes who have made many sacrifices for us. On our end, the entertainment industry has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 with the cancellation of live performances and concerts. Musicians, like ourselves, have been adapting as best as we can by using social media and other online platforms to reach out to an audience. Despite these challenges, we are thankful that we are still able to create and share our content, while being a part of this national movement,” said Jack & Rai, local singing duo and Run for Heroes ambassadors.