About the #StarfishChallenge

Have you heard about the Starfish Story? 

If you haven’t, please allow me to share:

There was an old man who had a habit of walking on the beach every morning. One morning, the man noticed a small boy bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. So the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young boy paused, looked up, and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach after the storm, and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die unless I throw them back into the water.”

The old man replied, “But there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.” The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. 

Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”

Adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)

Just like the little boy, we all can help create change. But we are all human – it’s often easier to tell ourselves, “I’m swamped. How much of a difference can I make by doing this?” We might not be able to make a huge difference, but together we can change a small part of it for someone. 

And Coach Shrek and I are doing our little part for Ray of Hope by posing you a physical challenge – to starfish! We’re doing the Starfish Challenge for Ray of Hope, in celebration of Ray of Hope’s 10th anniversary. 

The #StarfishChallange is an online physical challenge that pushes you to complete 10 reps of the starfish that is bound to test your creativity, stamina and perseverance. Proceeds from this fundraising drive will go towards helping vulnerable individuals and families in Singapore.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the reliable work that RoH does. Please consider making a donation or becoming a starfish with us. 

Get ready to Starfish!

Instructions for the #StarfishChallenge 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cKNvGRXpqqk

About Kher Sheng

Kher Sheng Lee (“Kher”) trained and qualified as a lawyer and has practised law in Singapore, the UK and Hong Kong. Kher Sheng is not your average lawyer, passionate about technology, blockchain and innovation with a broad range of experience in managing complex deals, setting up funds and working with governments + regulators. In his day job, he advocates for the alternative investment industry.

Kher serves on the board of Ray of Hope and is a fervent advocate for social mobility. He’s an equally passionate advocate of the need for personal mobility. This means functional movements that enhance the performance of everyday activities — like getting up from a sofa, lifting a heavy suitcase and running away from a hungry tiger with no pain or restriction. Kher is not focused on being jacked or ripped but is laser-focused on optimising one’s functional fitness, so he’s fit enough to do anything life throws at him.

About Coach Shrek

Shrek is not just another fitness coach. The Singapore-born-and-bred adrenaline junkie has been working in the fitness industry in Singapore for over 14 years. When he is not dropping some burpees at the back of the plane on long-haul journeys, he is the Master Coach at HIIT gym, Ritual. 

His love for sports was instilled as a kid and saw him pursue a career in the fitness industry circa 2007. He participates in competitive bodybuilding and has represented Singapore in international competitions – earning him a few national titles. 

Shrek was introduced to Obstacle Course Race (OCR) in 2014 and had been participating leisurely and competitively. However, the desire to participate in more challenging races has also resulted in him travelling worldwide to participate in some of the most prestigious OCR events.

As a coach and fitness enthusiast, he also believes in constantly learning and applying his knowledge. Over the years, he has learned various fitness disciplines through his peers, workshops and certifications. As a result, his training is constantly evolving. 

An infantry officer in the Singapore Armed Forces, Shrek was active in the security industry, specialising in Close Cover Protection for celebrities and VIPs, event control and security consultation before finding his path in the fitness industry.