The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run returns this September with its first-ever virtual edition to demonstrate that community support transcends physical boundaries. Themed Challenge YRself and Inspire Second Chances, the Yellow Ribbon Virtual Run 2021 encourages participants to challenge their physical and mental boundaries to show their support for the reintegration of inmates and ex-offenders into society.
Yellow Ribbon Virtual Run 2021 – First-ever Run For Good
In the month of September, members of the public can participate in two categories of the virtual run – YR Inspire or YR Challenge – and run, walk or hike routes of their choice in the shape of a yellow ribbon as a pledge of support for the second chances. The YR Inspire category does not have a minimum distance requirement, while the YR Challenge category challenges participants to complete 60km in up to five separate runs within the grace period of 1 to 30 September 2021. All finishers will be presented with an exclusive medal specially crocheted by inmates.
As part of this year’s fundraising efforts, participants are encouraged to submit screenshots of each completed route to www.yellowribbonvirtualrun.sg/signup. Participating corporates will be matching every yellow ribbon formed by registered participants with a $10 donation. The target is to raise $100,000 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.
A virtual run platform will also enable participants to view and respond to ‘Letters from Behind the Walls’. This comprises a collection of personal messages penned by inmates on their hopes, challenges and fears for their future. In the past, these personal messages had been displayed as part of the rehabilitation fair at the race endpoint. Participants can also further advocate for the Yellow Ribbon cause by posting pictures of their participation on social media with the hashtag #YRInspire2021.
Registration for the run opens from 21 August to 24 September 2021 at www.yellowribbonvirtualrun.sg.
Yellow Ribbon Virtual Run 2021 – About The Project
Started in 2004, the Yellow Ribbon Project is a community initiative in Singapore that aims to create awareness of the need to give second chances to ex-offenders, generate acceptance of ex-offenders and their families in the community, and inspire community action to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders into society.
The Yellow Ribbon Project is an initiative under the Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex- Offenders (CARE) Network, which comprises Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Singapore Prison Service (SPS), Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG), National Council of Social Service (NCSS), Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS), Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF), Singapore After-Care Association (SACA) and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA).
More information is available at www.yellowribbon.gov.sg.
