Have you ever wondered what do the different colored ribbons stand for in the race event logos of ribbon races? In Singapore, there are 3 major ribbon sports events organised annually by various communities where race participants gather to run for their respective causes and movements. Let us find out what the story behind these ribbons:
Orange Ribbon Run
The Orange Ribbon has been adopted by various countries and groups of individuals as the symbol of harmony, equality and freedom. As for Singapore, the Orange Ribbon is adopted as a symbol of respect, understanding, trust and friendship.
The Orange Ribbon Run is a signature event organised by OnePeople.sg, the voice and main resource centre on race relations in Singapore. This race event aims to promote understanding, appreciation and trust among Singapore’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
It is also Singapore’s only Run against Racism, where Singaporeans gather and make a stand to show their support for a united and harmonious multi-religious and multi-racial society we call home.
This year, the Orange Ribbon Run 2015 will be held on 29 August 2015. Participate in this meaningful and fun event by registering via the link here.
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run
The Yellow Ribbon concept was inspired from the 1973 Tony Orlando and Dawn hit song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”, which aptly describes a released prisoner’s desire for forgiveness and acceptance.
The annual Yellow Ribbon Prison Run is part of the Yellow Ribbon Project, which aims to create awareness and promote a more accepting society; a society that is willing to give ex-offenders a second chance at making good. It is important that we help unlock the second prison for our inmates, even as we let them out of the physical one.
This year, the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run will be held on 13 September 2015. Register for this event by clicking the link here.
Pink Ribbon Walk
The Pink Ribbon has been used as an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Similarly in Singapore, the Breast Cancer Foundation organises the annual Pink Ribbon Walk and ‘Wear the Pink Ribbon Campaign’ during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
These campaigns aim to attract participation and support among the public, and to emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of contracting breast cancer. Proceeds collected from the events will also be used to enhance Breast Cancer Foundation’s support group programmes and awareness outreach.
The 2015 edition of Pink Ribbon Walk will be taking place on 3 October 2015. Show your support by registering via the link here.
More Ribbon Races to come?
There are many more ribbon symbols and with the booming running industry in Singapore, there is a huge chance of seeing new ribbon races being introduced in the years to come!
Purple Ribbon is another commonly used ribbon worldwide to raise awareness for more than 30 over causes. This includes raising awareness for domestic violence, International Women’s Day, Alzheimer’s disease, Anti-gay bullying, animal abuse and pancreatic cancer.
Red Ribbon has been used internationally as the symbol for the prevention of drunk driving and also solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS. Also, the red ribbon was the first ever ribbon symbol, inspiring later versions such as the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. The 2 main organisations that utilize the red ribbon symbol are The Red Ribbon Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Supporters of MAAD tie red ribbons on their cars or visible areas to represent their commitment in safe and sober driving during the holiday seasons.
With the knowledge of these colored ribbons and their significance, be a charity runner today by signing up for the ribbon races!
