Speech By Guest-of-Honour, Dr. Amy Khor, Minister Of State (Health), at the Inaugural MDAS Fund Raising Walk, Go The Dystance on Saturday, 3 March, 2012 at Chinese Gardens

Mr. Ong Ban Leong, President of MDAS,

Mr Keneth Chan, Chairperson of the Fund-Raising sub Committee,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good evening to you.

It gives me great pleasure to be present for today’s MDAS Inaugural Fund Raising Walk – Go The Dystance.

Importance of an inclusive society

Indeed I must commend the MDAS for its synergy in working with the community. It is heart-warming to see so many participants especially students taking part today. The concept of an interactive walk with people with Muscular Dystrophy exemplifies so powerfully the idea of an inclusive society which is a key feature of the recent Budget. As progresses, we want to be a more inclusive and stronger society. We want to include not just the elderly and lower income group, but also those with disabilities for whom life could be more challenging – for them and their families. 

Muscular Dystrophy is a severe condition that causes weakening of muscles which affects physical abilities. I’m glad to know that MDAS plans to expand their early intervention programme to help nurture kids and youths with Muscular Dystrophy to enable them to discover and develop their potential as well as build their self esteem and confidence. This will help to ensure they live more meaningful and purposeful lives.

MDAS is a self help organisation that seeks to raise funds for their programmes and services. I’m glad that corporations and individual sponsors have come forward to support this worthy cause.

Greater public awareness

There are more than 300 participants for today’s inaugural Go The Dystance walk. Walking alongside the MD members and their families is a wonderful opportunity to show our support for them. It will no doubt also create a greater public awareness of MDAS and its activities, but more importantly it will give participants a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those with Muscular Dystrophy.

I am reminded of a heart warming quote by Albert Camus –

Don't walk behind me - I may not lead

Don't walk in front of me - I may not follow

Just walk beside me - and be my friend

And now, in the spirit of being friends, let’s go the distance for MDAS and its members.

I wish everyone an enjoyable walk.