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Singapore Canoe Marathon debuts in heartlands as 700 take to Punggol Waterway

Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
In addition to four competitive race categories, the 12th edition of the Singapore Canoe Marathon also featured a fun race which saw Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State for National Development, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin (in white-and-blue top) and Nominated Member of Parliament Nicholas Fang taking to the water in the name of charity. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Over 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut. -- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

OVER 700 paddle sports enthusiasts took to Punggol Waterway on Sunday, as the Singapore Canoe Marathon made its heartlands debut.

In addition to four competitive race categories, the 12th edition of the event also featured a fun race which saw Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State for National Development, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and Nominated Member of Parliament Nicholas Fang taking to the water in the name of charity.

Partnered by Team Singapore canoeists, the trio padded a total of 40km to raise $40,000 for the para-canoeing community.

"We are delighted to be able to contribute in this way to the development of the para-canoeing programme," said Mr Lee. "This is a very good cause, as sport is a very powerful enabler."

The day-long even also included try-out sessions for members of the public to try their hand at the activity.

"Canoeing has become more accessible with this new location," said Ang Hak Seng, chief executive director of event co-organiser People's Association. "Through our efforts, we hope to offer families and friends an additional lifestyle option for them to bond, have fun and enjoy our beautiful waterways."

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