Singapore 2015 exceed sponsorship target ahead of ASEAN Para Games

Singapore 2015 has already exceeded its sponsorship target ahead of next month's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games, organisers have announced.

A target of S$5 million (£2.3 million/$3.5 million/€3.2 million) had been set ahead of the Games, due to take place from December 3 to 9.

But according to Singapore 2015 chairman Lim Teck Yin, approximately S$6.5 million (£3 million/$4.7 million/€4.2 million) has already been raised.

This follows the signing of an agreement with automotive group Cycle & Carriage, who have signed on as a top tier sponsor.

They plan to provide a fleet of 78 cars to transport dignitaries, officials and guests during the Games, including a 15-seater Maxus which will be converted into a "wheelchair-friendly" vehicle that can hold up to three wheelchair passengers and nine seated commuters.

Officials participate in a ceremony at which Cycle and Carriage were announced as sponsoring 78 vehicles for next month's 8th ASEAN Para Games ©SAPGOC/Facebook

“I’m very pleased to note that corporate Singapore has stepped forward and we’ve already exceeded our S$5 million target,” said Lim.

“The sponsorship is sitting at around S$6.5 million in total.

“These are vehicles meant largely for hospitality, and for the operations for many of the officials and dignitaries that will be visiting the Games.

“There are a set of dignitaries who will have cars dedicated for their use, while others will be pooled in a group and allocated according to their needs.

"We’re delighted that Maxus is being deployed here, because there are a few officials who are also using wheelchairs, and I think it will come in very useful."

Other major sponsors to have signed on include financial services firm, Deloite, sports equipment giants FBT and Singapore's leading media company, MediaCorp.

A total of 3,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the eighth edition of the Games, last held in Naypyidaw, Myanmar in January 2014.

The regional event was first held in Kuala Lumpur in 2001, with 11 participating countries due to compete next month: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam.