Students Reflections on Sports Day
Lending a helping hand as a Student Helper
by Jiang Ruolin (S4L)
It was the second time that I participated as a student helper during the Sports Heats. This time I helped for the shot put event by recording the distances of the participants’ best throws. I enjoyed looking at every participant from different year groups trying their best during their throws. As the starting points of the 200 meters were right next to the shot put area, I also cheered for my friends who ran for the 200 meters. I think the most important idea of having Sports Heats is participating; show perseverance and step out of the comfort zones. When I was recording the distances of the throws of every year group, and I was shocked by the distances: 8 meters, 10 meters… When the participants saw their records, some were surprised and some were a bit upset as they could have done better. But to me, they are all admirable individuals as they all believed in themselves and they were brave enough to step out and give themselves a try. Next year, I hope I can continue taking on this role and serving the school.
A First-time Athlete at Secondary School
by Lam Shiyao Marcus (S1S)
My first Sports Day as a part of the secondary school cohort has truly been a memorable time, one which was completely unlike our Primary Sports Days.
Out of all the events, the races, in particular, were the most exhilarating. Nonetheless, the new Sports Day curriculum was very eye-opening, introducing the S1s and me to new athletics events like javelin, shot put and discus, in which we didn’t get to participate in in Primary.
With each student divided into different houses, and Sports Day being a big event to gain house points, each house tried their hardest to make endeavours to win the Sports Day cup. This was the main factor of how the Secondary Sports Day differed from the Primary’s: the competition and tension between houses.
Lastly, another big difference was during the last moments of the day, where the winner of the school event was announced. The crowd was tense and hushed, while the announcer’s voice wrung throughout the stadium, each of us hoping for that miracle. At last, the verdict was made, “The winner of Sports Day is…… Zubir Said!” Zubir Said House burst into cheers and hoots, while the rest sat in retribution and disappointment.
The whole of Zubir Said House had just had one of the greatest successes of the year, and we had then won two Sports Days in a row. Each house will come even better and stronger next year, ready to battle, and we will welcome the next S1 students to the secondary school family. Let the competition continue!
A Veteran Athlete’s Career
by Wong Rui-En Rebecca (S4R)
I feel that over the years, being a student athlete, I learned to persevere and care for other competitors. At first, I thought it was an “every man for himself” instance on the track. “Winning is everything” was what I thought when I started out as a student athlete. But as the years have gone by, I found a deeper meaning to help others in need. It brought me greater joy to help them instead of winning a race. For instance, two years back, from the corner of my eye, I saw a runner that seemed to hurt herself in my race. I knew that I had the potential to win but I could not turn a blind eye to that girl in need of my help. When I saw how determined she was to finish the race despite being injured, I immediately stopped running to help her complete the race. Even though I knew that I let go of all chances of winning by doing so, I knew how much it would mean to her if I was by her side to cross the finish line together. I also feel that instead of trying to win as many races as possible, it is even more important to care for the ones in need. Doing so will not only help the person, but it would also forge closer relationships and friendships, and create lasting memories that you will enjoying looking back in the future.
I particularly enjoyed watching the 100m races as they were the most competitive competitions, and were very stimulating. The look of desperation to win and nervousness could be seen on the faces moments before the horn blasted, indicating the start of the race. Even though each race only lasted 20 seconds, watching schoolmates sprint as if their lives were on the line and being neck to neck in almost every race was exhilarating. While standing by the tracks during the race, I could feel the chilly wind against my face as they ran past me to the finish line. Cheering on my friends and schoolmates while they ran was extremely thrilling. However, I enjoyed participating in the 800m race as in the middle of the race, I could feel the burning sensation in my legs, as if they were telling me to stop running and give up. Through this process, I learned to persevere through the pain, discomfort and tiredness, to not give up and always try my best despite not having satisfactory results. I believe that that is true sportsmanship-not winning medals or coming first in a race, but not togive up and tell yourself to keep going no matter what. Unsatisfactory results happen all the time despite numerous practices, but if you have tried your best, you have won the race right there.
