SG Strong Grantee, Simon Wong, co-founded Sideways.sg to bring sidecar aficionados together to race. However, when COVID-19 first hit our shores, Simon attempted to race from Singapore to Penang in just 12 hours to raise funds for the fight against the virus.
Wed been on long rides before, wed been riding sidecars together almost daily for two years by the point of the attempt, with each team member knowing the idiosyncrasies of the next very well. Were multi-ethnic and multi-national, and we make room for all the differences on the team, with each member being able to handle multiple roles from leading, planning, working pit stops, riding and co-riding.
The 800 kilometer route previously took 60 hours, making 12 hours seem impossible, but Simon and his team still decided to give it a shot. After conducting three practice races and fine-tuning their mechanical skills, they were ready to take on the somewhat daunting task. Giving everything they got, they were able to finish the route in nine hours and 20 minutes and raised a whopping $150,000 for the fight against COVID-19.
This needs our attention right this second. I would say to others to step up and volunteer your time, your ideas, or just your hands, and get stuck in now. You could be dropping off food to frontline staff, you could be encouraging folks to simply donate – this is not something that happens to someone else anymore. Its on our doorstep.
Giving back can come in many forms, and Sideways.sg is one poignant example. Harnessing their talent in sidecar racing, they rallied the community to contribute to their cause and we hope that Simons story inspires you to do the same. Together, we are stronger than COVID-19.