This year's National Day Parade (NDP) funpacks feature art from special education students for the first time, letting young artists from places such as the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School contribute to the yearly celebrations.
The designs featured on the funpacks are in line with this year's NDP theme, We Are Singapore, representing Singaporeans from different walks of life overcoming challenges and achieving their aspirations.
There are 18 different designs, each contributed by 18 special education schools. The schools were approached last September, and the designs were submitted by 38 students over five months.
President Halimah Yacob, who met some of the artists at an engagement event at the Marina Bay Floating Platform yesterday, said she was inspired to see their works included in this year's National Day.
"It is really wonderful to me that on this year's National Day, we also incorporate students from the special needs schools," said Madam Halimah. "These funpacks are going to thousands of Singaporeans… so that is really, really heartwarming."
About 250,000 funpacks will be distributed this year, and they are in the form of tote bags to display the artworks clearly.
The funpacks contain items such as a shaker that lights up in four colours as well as Singapore-made snacks. There is also an art booklet featuring the artists' stories.
Those attending this year's parade at the Marina Bay Floating Platform must collect their funpacks at distribution points before the parade.
NDP logistics and finance committee chairman Quek Yew Sing said that efforts have been taken this year to prevent wastage.
"We have kept the items to a bare minimum, and the funpacks come with a rubbish bag to allow people to throw their waste properly," he said.
One of the artists, Mr Danial Isaac Abdullah, 18, chose to sketch Marina Bay Sands and the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay as he thought they best represent Singapore.
"I can't wait to see my family and friends carry my design on this year's NDP funpack," the student of Rainbow Centre-Yishun Park School said in a promotional video.
