Singapore, 12 August 2023 – Singapore Pools, in collaboration with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and Sport Singapore (SportSG), has brought back Football With A Heart (FWAH) for the eighth time. Leveraging sports as a force for social good, the fundraiser was supported by grant partner Tote Board and venue partner Singapore Sports Hub.
FWAH 2023 smashed past editions’ records and raised $1,238,350 for seven beneficiaries – Daughters of Tomorrow, FAS Cares, iShine Cloud Limited, Lions Befrienders Service Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation, SportCares Foundation, and Playeum Limited. 45 corporate teams, together with celebrity teams comprising Parliamentarians, local media artistes, and ex-national football players participated in the morning of fun and games. In celebration of Singapore Pools’ 55th Anniversary year, the event was also open to the public with a community carnival segment.
Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, kicked off the Corporate Tournament Final, and received the cheque on behalf of the seven beneficiaries from Chairman of Singapore Pools Mr Kai Nargolwala and Chairman of Tote Board Mrs Mildred Tan.
Parliamentarians who participated in the celebrity tournament included Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament; Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office; Mr Fahmi Aliman, Mayor of South East District; and Members of Parliament Mr Sharael Taha, Mr Louis Ng, Mr Yip Hon Weng and Ms Tin Pei Ling. On the FAS Legends team, star players included Baihakki Khaizan, Lim Tong Hai, Hasrin Jailani, Lionel Lewis, and Malek Awab. Media artistes Li Nanxing, Shane Pow, Vivian Lai, the Ah Girls Go Army cast and more also joined in the fun.
Following a friendly but competitive play on the field, Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX Group) emerged victorious in the corporate tournament, while FAS Legends claimed the title in the celebrity tournament.
"We are proud to witness the triumphant eighth edition of Football With A Heart. This event truly embodies and showcases the transformative force of unity, team spirit and inclusivity, and sporting excellence, reinforcing our commitment to create a more caring community. We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from our network of partners, which will fuel our ongoing efforts to drive positive change and empower the lives of those in need," said Mr Lam Chee Weng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Pools.
"We are proud to support Singapore Pools in their efforts to care for the vulnerable in our communities through initiatives like Football With A Heart. By topping up their fundraising efforts, we have been able to make a significant impact in the lives of those in need, together as a Tote Board family. We will continue to work together to support initiatives that bring hope and positive change to our communities," added Mr Tan Choon Shian, Chief Executive, Tote Board.
FAS General Secretary Mr Yazeen Buhari said, "Football With A Heart is an exemplary representation of our commitment to fostering a thriving football culture that unites Singaporeans. The unwavering support we receive each year remains steadfast, and this year is no exception, with diverse corporations coming together. Through the beautiful game of football, we wield the transformative power of effecting a profound influence and creating opportunities for the less fortunate among us. The FAS takes immense pride in our continued partnership with Singapore Pools to raise funds to benefit deserving recipients.
Mr Alan Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Sport Singapore said, "At SportCares, we use sport as a platform for social good – more than 45,000 people have benefited from our sport-based development programmes since 2012. Instrumental to this effort is the support from over 100 community partners including Singapore Pools. The annual Football With A Heart event, jointly organised by Singapore Pools, Football Association of Singapore and Sport Singapore, is an example of a community of care coming together to make a difference in the lives of SportCares’ beneficiaries – youths from our Saturday Night Lights (SNL) programmes. SNL is our flagship programme that provides a safe and structured environment for youths from vulnerable backgrounds to play football, build character, develop life skills and be part of a community. We are committed to building communities of care and using sport to change lives."
Established in 2012, FWAH is Singapore’s first and only executive football charity fund-raiser set up as a partnership between private and public sectors to raise much-needed funds for the disadvantaged. To-date, almost $6.3 million has been raised for 49 unique charities and social enterprises.