SINGAPORE - More than 2,000 beneficiaries, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, will be attending this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) across the rehearsals and main event on Aug 9, with an army of young volunteers helping to look after them.

Innyria Gangataram, who uses a wheelchair, was at the National Stadium on July 18 for the National Education (NE) preview - a full-dress rehearsal of this year’s parade.

The 77-year-old was elated to experience her first National Day parade.

“It was my first time attending the parade, and also going to the National Stadium. It was so nice seeing all the children perform,” she said.

The Republic will celebrate its 61st year of independence at the National Stadium, with volunteers like Komal Bhandari keeping a close watch.

The 20-year-old, who received her Singaporean citizenship in July, was among those who helped the beneficiaries reach their respective sectors at the parade and keep an eye out for them.

The National Technological University student, who has volunteered at various events for the past three years, said: “Volunteering has been such a meaningful experience and I see it as a way to contribute to the community.

“Being at the parade for the first time was so exciting.”

The NDP 2026 outreach and engagement committee partnered with National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and National Council of Social Service to invite beneficiaries from over 50 organisations including social service a...