What began as a campaign to create awareness for diabetes subsequently became a battle of endurance against the fury of the sea.

But thanks to tremendous determination outstanding teamwork and swift thinking, the six noble challengers of the 'Paddling for Diabetes... Sub 30-hour Round Singapore Canoeing Challenge 2006' set a new record when they completed the entire 150 km distance around the coastline of Singapore for the first time in under 30 hours.

This, in spite of the tense episode, where towards the final stretch, one of the canoes capsised and sank upon the sea's enormous pressure at the southwest region of Singapore near Sentosa.

Attempts to salvage the lost canoe were futile but the accompanying safety boat's decisive and prompt action to replace it with a spare one turned things around. Till the very end, the challengers worked extremely hard as a team to complete their feat within 30 hours.

The journey, which included 135 km of paddling and 15 km of running where it was not accessible by sea, began on Saturday, 19 August 2006 at 10.00 am, with three canoes and six challengers racing against time to reach the end of Kranji Road by 4.00 pm. Sunday, 20 August 2006.

Organised by a group of canoeing enthusiasts and the Lions Club of Singapore Metropolitan in support of the Diabetic Society of Singapore (DSS), the event hoped to create public awareness about diabetes and to raise funds for the Diabetic Society of Singapore for the purchase of a mobile diabetes clinic.

Together with DSS staff, Lions members, media representatives and the challengers' families and friends. Mr Yong Chian Boon, president of DSS. was also there to lend support and encourage-ment, Mr Ong Eng Huat, an official from Singapore Book of Records, was invited to witness and time the event.Prof. Arthur Lin. patron of DSS, who was there to flag off the race, congratulated the team members for their tenacious spirit. He compared canoeing with diabetes management

"Canoeing is an excellent form of exercise because is inculcates discipline - if you do not follow rules, your canoe will topple. There are many environmental factors which can lead to the canoe toppling, such as tempestuous waves and strong wind. Similarly, in the management of diabetes, one needs to be disciplined, understand the condition, adjust to different situations and overcome obstacles"

Prof. Lim added," We hope that similar activities will continue on an annual basis not only because they can help people who have diabetes, but they also prevent diabetes from developing. It is a healthy lifestyle activity Singaporeans should embrace."

Mr.Yong Chiang Boon, president of DSS, agreed. "We hope that this would motivate other sporting groups to come forward to help create more awareness about diabetes. We wish to thank the organisers, the Lions Club of Singapore Metropolitan, the challengers, their family and friends for their support of Diabetic Society of Singapore and our goal to purchase a mobile diabetes clinic to serve the community"

Congratulations to all challengers for a great job!.

Mr Yong Yuen Chang, teacher, National Junior College

Mr Kho HaoYuan, a meteorologist
Mr John Tham, process manager
Mr Soh Kan Hong, teacher, Unity Secondary School

Mr Daniel Seng, student, University of Aberdeen, UK

Ms Neo Lay Peng, teacher, Tao Nan School

Organised by Lions Club of Singapore Metropolitan

Supported by
Boston Scientific Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Uli Watergear Paddlers
Leo Club of Singapore Metropolitan

Gateway
National Junior College Canoeing Club

SAF Yacht Club

Raffles Marina
Zuji