Making Waves For A Cause

26 September 2024

Officiated by Singapore’s Health Minister, Mr Ong Ye Kung, the high-energy event brought together over 3,000 participants, spectators and 45 local and international dragon boat teams – including 15 from IHH – in support of breast cancer awareness and active living.

The event saw the participation of 45 local and international teams and 150 crew, including Singapore’s first migrant worker’s dragon boat team, Transient Paddlers Count Too. As a mark of solidarity in the push for breast cancer awareness and healthy living, Minister Ong flagged off the CanHope Pink Race which featured breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams from around the region. He also paddled alongside healthcare workers from across the public and private healthcare institutions in the Minister’s Cup as a show of support.

The IHH SG family was out in full force over the two-day event. The 15 valiant dragon boat teams took up the challenge and raced against other teams in eight race categories. In every race, the teams demonstrated positivity, true grit and determination to complete the distance, no matter the outcome. But it wasn’t just about the races – the vibrant health festival was buzzing with excitement! Visitors enjoyed activities from our healthcare partners, and our IHH SG team from Parkway Cancer Centre, Parkway Radiology, and Mount Elizabeth Novena Centre for Genomic Health, set up three educational booths to share health tips on cancer, what to do during a mammogram and benefits of genetic testing.

Dr Gay Hui Ho, General Surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore and Dietitian Ms Diane Seto from Mount Elizabeth Hospital shared their views on breast cancer and surgery and tips on healthy ageing and eating respectively at the health talks. Our remarkable nurses and doctors from the four IHH SG hospitals also took to the stage to showcase their talents.

“IHH Healthcare Singapore strongly believes in a whole-of-society effort to support the fight against cancer and to promote a healthy lifestyle. We are very honoured to sponsor this milestone event that brings together different parts of society, from healthcare to corporate and social entities, on a common cause. The unity and teamwork required in dragon boating aptly reflects the kind of solidarity and coordination we need to improve health for the people in Singapore,” said Dr Peter Chow, Chief Executive Officer of IHH SG.

Here’s to making waves for a healthier, stronger tomorrow!