The school swimming gala was a fantastic event filled with energy and excitement! Students showcased their skills while cheering each other on, creating a wonderful sense of community. It was inspiring to see everyone’s dedication and sportsmanship. Below are three students sharing their experiences during this memorable day.
Written by Kimberly Leung (Form 5)
I truly cherish the opportunity of participating in the Swimming Gala. Being a House committee member and a participant, I took on the responsibility of recruiting swimmers for the relay team. Unfortunately, I faced a challenge that there weren’t enough girls in Delonix to form a relay team. Despite my endeavors, we still did not manage to mobilize as many girls to form a complete relay team. I felt a deep sense of helplessness when I had to tell the MY1 Delonix girl that we had to give up our qualifications due to insufficient entries, seeing her frustrated to ask me if there were any other possibilities or if the boys could run in our relay team. But fortunately, the Delonix boys' relay team won, which was a highlight of the day.
Competing in the gala was exhilarating, especially when I won the championship in the event which was rewarding and met my expectations. Sharing that victory with my friends made it even more special. Their support throughout the day was invaluable, and celebrating our achievements together created lasting memories.
Overall, the Swimming Gala was an unforgettable event that celebrated teamwork, friendship, and personal achievement. However, I felt a tinge of disappointment that not the whole school was there to cheer us on and I had to grapple with missing lessons during the gala as I sacrificed my lesson time to join the swimming gala. While the event was incredible, I knew I would need to catch up on what I had missed in class. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities is crucial, and I’m determined to stay on track.
Written by Leonard Cheshire (MY1)
This was my first time attending the CSS Swimming Gala. Initially I felt nervous because there were so many people! I didn’t expect so many students to participate in this school event. Once at the pool, I was able to relax as everyone was very kind and clearly explained the procedure to warm up and the format of the races.
When it was time for my first race, my House Captain encouraged me. I was very confident. However, the other students were very quick. This motivated me to swim faster. I dived in, and I loved to hear all the cheering.
My second race didn’t go so well. Seeing how fast some CSS swimmers were, I was more motivated to train harder and do better next year.
In the afternoon, it was time for the relay races. Juniper House Captain selected me for the butterfly leg. The cheer from the crowd in the stands was amazing. We came third, which was good for our house and the encouragement from my fellow students will stay with me even after the gala.
Written by Akashdeep Sandhu (Form 5)
At the Swimming Gala, I had the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the event with announcements and engaging commentary. This experience taught me the art of public speaking, keeping the audience informed and entertained throughout the competition. As I announced each event, from freestyle sprints to synchronized swimming routines, I learned the importance of clear communication and to maintain the event's momentum.
My commentary added a layer of excitement, providing insights into the swimmers' techniques and highlighting key moments of the races. It was both thrilling and challenging to keep the audience engaged while accurately narrating the unfolding events. This opportunity not only improved my communication skills but also deepened my appreciation for the dedication and skills of the swimmers. Overall, the Swimming Gala was a rewarding experience that allowed me to showcase my hosting abilities and share the thrill of competitive swimming with the audience.