YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge 2023: Conquering heights at Mount Fuji

SINGAPORE—YMCA of Singapore returns with the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge 2023, where 10 Special Needs Ambassadors will undergo weekly intensive physical training to scale Japan’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji (富士山), this August. The challenge aims to raise awareness and $200,000 to champion special needs inclusivity in Singapore. All funds raised will go towards the YMCA Community Services Fund to support vocational training and social development programmes that cater to youth with special needs, as well as youth-at-risk and youth-in-need, empowering them to lead independent, fulfilling, and dignified lives. 

YMCA Inclusive Climb 2019. (Image credit: YMCA of Singapore)

This challenge is a continuation of the YMCA Inclusive Climb in 2019 to Mount Fuji, and the virtual instalments of the challenge in 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, where members of the public were welcomed to conquer Mount Fuji virtually alongside the Special Needs Ambassadors by completing 3,776m in elevation or up to 125km in distance through walking, running, hiking, cycling, or climbing stairs. 

Takashimaya x YMCA fundraising sales 

Takashimaya x YMCA Fundraising Sales. (Image credit: Takashimaya Singapore Ltd)

In celebration of Takashimaya Singapore Ltd’s 30th Anniversary, Takashimaya and YMCA have collaborated to raise funds for the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge. A box of four plates are each designed by four talented artists with special needs, Koh Shu-Huan, April – “Mount Fuji in Spring”, Lim Kong Boon – “Mount Fuji in Autumn”, Jaylyn Lim Xin Hui – “Mount Fuji in Winter” and Gary Chong Yi Xuan – “Pink Sakura”. The artists are influenced by the breathtaking beauty of Japan's scenery, the iconic Mount Fuji and sakura flowers. The box packaging is also designed by renowned graphic artist, tobyato. From 1 July till 31 December 2023, the box of four plates is on sale at all cashier counters located in the Takashimaya Department Store and Takashimaya Online Store at $45 each, while stocks last.  

Social media campaign and giveaways 

From 22 May to mid-September 2023, a social media campaign will be running on YMCA’s Facebook and Instagram pages to highlight the inspirational stories of the Special Needs Ambassadors, volunteers and corporate partners who are participating in the challenge, in a bid to raise awareness about the strengths of persons with special needs and to promote inclusivity in our society. Follow YMCA of Singapore @ymca.singapore on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated about the challenge, and stay tuned for some social media giveaways coming up soon!

Launch engagement session @ JAPAN RAIL CAFE

The launch engagement session was graced by MP Denise Phua. (Image credit: JAPAN RAIL CAFE)

A launch engagement session was held on 16 June 2023 at JAPAN RAIL CAFE, where the Special Needs Ambassadors, volunteers, and corporate partners participated in a flag-painting activity and shared about their preparations.

Weekly training sessions

Weekly training sessions. (Image credit: YMCA of Singapore)

YMCA’s Special Needs Ambassadors, volunteers, and corporate partners are currently training hard to prepare for the climb while immersing in the sights and sounds of nature in hiking trails and parks around the island! 

Visit fuji.ymca.org.sg for more information about the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge and to find out how you can support our Special Needs Ambassadors. 

Champion special needs inclusivity together with the YMCA today! 

For media enquiries, please contact:
Clara Toh
YMCA of Singapore
Tel: 6586 2227
Email: claratoh@ymca.org.sg