Reported by:
Sr1A Alice Wong You Li
Jr2Z(1) Ashley Chow Zuying
Jr2Z(3) Sophia Chin Ting Yu
Photography by:
Sr2A Tan Xin Yee
Sr1ComD Donald Lim Ze Tian
Kuen Cheng Photography Club
The 24th and 25th of August 2024 marked the 50th Sports Day for Kuen Cheng High School and Kuen Cheng Kindergarten. This event saw teachers and students gather at Stadium Arena Universiti Malaya to participate in lively and competitive activities. A milestone in Kuen Cheng.
All participants were divided into teams according to their age and gender, with Junior Middle 1 and 2 boys in Group A, Junior Middle 1 and 2 girls in Group B, Junior Middle 3 and Senior Middle 1 boys in Group C, Junior Middle 3 and Senior Middle 1 girls in Group D, and so on. Competitions for different types of athletic events were held, from individual and relay races to high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, and the discus.
Day one, a heat, mainly focused on competitors attempting to qualify for entry in the preliminary and semi-final rounds. The day started off at the crack of dawn with the 1500m races, with students from each group squeezing themselves onto the tracks. Competing students held onto their stamina tightly, pushing themselves towards the end as their friends cheered. They were soon to be replaced by one of the most exciting and competitive events, the relay races. Batons were seen shining under the daylight, the surfaces of the metal cylinders as bright as the participants’ faces.
(Photo 1: Students sprinting away with all their might in the competition)
Each of the students ran with all their might, their fingers clenching onto the batons as they dashed towards the next teammate. Each second was crucial to them, and screaming could be heard from all corners from the participants’ fellow supporters. We were lucky to have the opportunity to interview one of the record-breaking teams, Jr2S(4) from Group A who beat the record by a whopping 50 seconds. “Confidence is prime when it comes to winning.” The champions nodded their heads in unison as one of the members stated.
Meanwhile, events such as the discus throwing, javelin and long jump were held on the humongous field. Each of the partakers were seen with stoic faces as they headed towards the venue, the sun reflecting their emotions, some nervous, some with confident smirks. Each competition displayed their strength, both physically and mentally as they faced each opponent.
Day two, Sports Day commenced with a spirited opening ceremony, during which our honourable Principal, Madam Chua Lee Lee, delivered a motivating speech stating the significance of sports in our lives. Members of the five uniformed societies, along with the class representatives, proudly marched while waving flags. The closing performance presented by the batch of Senior Middle Three students was nothing short of spectacular, and cheers of appreciation resounded throughout the sports venue.
(Photo 2: Senior Three students performing on the opening ceremony)
Immediately after the opening ceremony, our day two events started with a bang! Student athletes enthusiastically participated in track and field, featuring sprint, run, long jump, and shot put. All students demonstrated equal competitiveness while challenging their physical abilities to the fullest in this fun, yet competitive environment.
Students shivered with excitement while waiting for their turn, hoping to win honour and pride for their class. The shot put event was a nerve-wracking event which was held near the field. Students chatted between turns, making friends along the way even while competing with one another.
On the other side of the track was the 100m finals. Thousands of students participated in the preliminary round yet were swiftly disqualified, leaving the final eight students in each group to compete in the finals, at last leading up to the last three medal-winners of the round. Followed by the next event, the 110m hurdle with student after student jumping over the fences. They sprinted while still jumping agilely, hoping that a miracle would sprite on them and win.
(Photo 3: Students using all their might to finish the hurdle race)
At last, the day has come to an end with students and teachers celebrating the athletes’ triumphs and achievements. The closing ceremony started off with the Office Administrator, Madam Chong Siew Fah’s speech, expressing the appreciation she has for all competitors. She then presented the annual best player award to each group’s best athlete. On that note, this year’s students had hit the most award breaking prizes of all, making it a new record to the school.
