The ninth edition of Singapore Pools’ executive fundraising event – Football with A Heart (FWAH) grew into a dynamic two-day event over 8 and 9 June at the National Stadium, emphasising a weekend dedicated to community football. Co-organised with People’s Association (PA), Football Association of Singapore (FAS), Sport Singapore (SportSG) and in partnership with Tote Board and venue partner Singapore Sports Hub, the event garnered a record-breaking $1,258,750 in donations.
As Singapore’s largest football charity fundraiser, FWAH underscores Singapore Pools’ ongoing commitment to harnessing sports as a catalyst for positive social impact. The event was graced by two distinguished guests of honour over the course of its two-day duration. On the first day, Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister of Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and on the second day, Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, attended the event.
During the event, a total of 53 corporate teams, along with 42 youth and 70 children’s teams, Grassroots Advisers, local para-athletes, media personalities, and former national football players, participated in various tournaments and charity matches. Some of these participants included radio personalities like Joakim Gomez and Edward Russell playing alongside para athletes Tay Wei Ming (Badminton), Xavier Lim (Badminton) and Nur Aini (Powerlifting).
Following a keenly fought competition, Team CTC Global emerged victorious in the Cup Category of the corporate tournament while Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM) was champions of the Plate category. Team MediaCorp claimed the winning title in Day 1’s charity match.
The second day was marked by a children’s tournament celebrating the 20th anniversary of the PAssion Community Football (PACF) programme organised by the People’s Association Community Sports Network (CSN). Featuring football clinics for children led by Football Association of Singapore coaches, the charity match on day 2 also saw Team Parliamentarians pit against Singapore’s football legends.
Singapore Pools’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lam Chee Weng, said: “We are heartened to have the support of many corporate partners and organisations who have joined us to do good through sports. Football has the power to unite communities, foster inclusivity and drive positive impact and this year we have teamed up with People’s Association to add a Children Tournament in addition to the mainstay of the Corporate and Youth Tournaments. I’m glad that through our collective efforts and collaboration, many aspiring players will have the opportunity to play on the National Stadium pitch, and in doing so, benefit the underserved communities through the funds we have raised.”
Funds raised from FWAH 2024 will be channelled towards five beneficiaries, including ART:DIS, a leading organisation dedicated to creating learning and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts; iShine Cloud Limited, a charity set up by Singapore Pools to provide other charities with an integrated suite of charity-specific solutions via a secure cloud-based IT platform; Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre, an Active Ageing Centre committed to building a caring and resilient community; SportCares, the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore to enable vulnerable individuals and persons with disabilities to reap the benefits of sport by instilling confidence and elevating one’s outlook to life; and TOUCH Community Services, a charity organisation providing services to individuals from all races and religions in the community.
Visit Singapore Pools In the Community for more event photos and catch the event highlight video here!