Embargoed until 2.30pm on 27 August 2016, Singapore Time PRESS RELEASE

Transcription

1 Embargoed until 2.30pm on 27 August 2016, Singapore Time PRESS RELEASE NCCS PARTNERS THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE FOR FIRST EVER ROW FOR HOPE BOAT RACES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER PATIENTS Cancer survivors and patients row in an exhibition Dragon Boat race in a display of strength and resilience Mr Ng Ser Miang, Executive Board Member on the International Olympic Committee, graces the event as Guest-of-Honour Event hopes to raise $70,000 in aid of patient care programmes to improve the lives of cancer patients NCCS hopes to make this an annual race in support of its causes Singapore, 27 August 2016 The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is organising the first Row For Hope Boat Races in collaboration with The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore to raise funds for cancer care and improve the lives of cancer survivors. These Row For Hope Races in Singapore will bring the excitement of the 186 year tradition of the University of Oxford vs the University of Cambridge Annual Boat Races (called the Cancer Research UK Boat Races) held on the River Thames in the UK, to our doorstep. The Row For Hope Races will include cancer survivors and supporters, who will row in a dragon boat exhibition race in a display of strength and resilience. They will add to the thrill of watching the Oxbridge members as they compete in their boats (known as eights ) on the waters at Marina Bay (refer to Annex A for event programme). Dr Toh Han Chong, Deputy Director (Education) and Senior Consultant, NCCS who is rowing in the fund-raising event said, One in three people will get cancer and we know that treatment is expensive. When the rowers are rowing on that day, we hope 1

2 to get the public s support and raise as much as possible for the Community Cancer Fund. This fund will go into helping needy patients and their families. The event hopes to raise $70,000 in aid of patient care programmes to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Row For Hope is Singapore s answer to the annual UK Boat Races. With a history dating back to 1829, the UK Boat Races is a set of annual rowing races between the Oxford University and the Cambridge University Boat Clubs, watched by more than 250,000 people each year and also telecast live around the world. The UK Boat Races also focus on raising money for the Cancer Research UK. Dato Paul Supramaniam, President of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore said, We are delighted, as a Society of privileged Oxbridge alumnus, to have an opportunity to put back into our community. This collaboration with NCCS allows us to infuse the celebration of an annual Oxbridge tradition with a meaningful purpose. We intend to turn Row For Hope with its uniquely Singapore flavour into a national event that publicises the excellent work of NCCS, the needs of cancer survivors and which also makes an impact in the fund raising goals of NCCS. We have kick started the NCCS fundraising by, as a Society, making a contribution of $10,000 to this campaign. Mr Ng Ser Miang, Executive Board Member of the International Olympic Committee will grace the event as Guest-of-Honour. I am very heartened by the efforts of the National Cancer Centre Singapore and The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore in raising funds for cancer care and helping to improve the lives of cancer survivors through the 'Row for Hope' initiative, he said. This initiative of unifying sports and the cause of fighting cancer demonstrates strength in adversity, which I hope will inspire more people to join in and support this worthy cause. Apart from the rowers from Oxbridge members, the Pink Spartans, a dragon boat team made up of cancer survivors and supporters will also be taking part in the event. Funds raised through this event will benefit the Community Cancer Fund to relief needy patients and their family members of the cost of cancer treatments. 2

3 If you would like to make a gift or sponsor any part of the event, please visit or contact Hilman Sobahri on telephone or Hilman.sobahri@nccs.com.sg to learn more. About the National Cancer Centre Singapore National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) provides a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to cancer treatment and patient care. We treat almost 70 per cent of the public sector oncology cases, and they are benefiting from the sub-specialisation of our clinical oncologists. NCCS is also accredited by the US-based Joint Commission International for its quality patient care and safety. To deliver among the best in cancer treatment and care, our clinicians work closely with our scientists who conduct robust cutting-edge clinical and translational research programmes which have been internationally recognised. NCCS strives to be a global leading cancer centre, and shares its expertise and knowledge by offering training to local and overseas medical professionals. About Community Cancer Fund The Community Cancer Fund (previously known as the Cancer Research and Education Fund) supports (1) financial assistance for needy patients; (2) education and training for better patient care and cancer prevention; as well as (3) improvements that enhance patient care. Since its inception in 1998, funds raised in a variety of ways provide support for specific cancer research and public education projects. The fund was renamed in 2011 to better reflect its community-serving purpose with a strong focus on optimising patient care. The Fund is registered under the Charities Act as an Institution of Public Character (IPC) with an independent Board of Trustees. Besides helping needy patients as well as improving cancer care and awareness, donors will also enjoy 250% tax deduction for their donations. More information is available on About The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore promotes social contact among Oxbridge alumni residing in Singapore by organising and promoting social gatherings and events whereby members may co-operate in professional, intellectual or cultural activities marks the 55th anniversary of the Society s formation in Singapore. 3

4 For further information, please contact NCCS Corporate Communications Department: Ms Rachel Tan Mr Wilson Ng Manager Executive Tel: Tel: HP: HP:

5 Appendix A Event Programme TIME 2.30pm 3pm 4pm 4.15pm 4.30pm 5pm 6pm 6.30pm 7pm DESCRIPTION Welcome Speeches 1 st Speech by: Professor Soo Khee Chee Director, National Cancer Centre 2 nd Speech by: Dato Paul Supramaniam President, The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore 1 st Boat Race: Oxford and Cambridge Mixed Crew Flag-off: Prof Soo Khee Chee, Director, NCCS 2 nd Boat Race: Oxbridge vs ASBO (Any School But Oxbridge) Flag-off: Dato Paul Supramaniam Arrival of Guest-of-Honour Mr Ng Ser Miang, Executive Board Member on the International Olympic Committee Exhibition Dragon Boat Race by Pink Spartan Cancer Survivors Flag-off: Dato Paul Supramaniam 3 rd Boat Race: Women s Race Flag-off: Prof Soo Khee Chee, Director, NCCS Final Race: Oxford vs Cambridge Men s Race Flag-off: Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ng Ser Miang Prize Presentation at Main Stage End of Event Guest-of-Honour takes leave 5