The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 22 in sports. This event also aimed to hone the students’ sportsmanship and foster the spirit of teamwork through sports, thus inculcating positive values and building character. The students and their parents started arriving at the sports field of SJK (C) Jinjang Selatan, Kuala Lumpur at 7.30 am. The students were divided into four teams: Harmony School was represented by the Blue and Red teams, while Unity School was represented by the Green and Yellow teams. The event commenced with a grand entrance by the students, who marched in unison onto the sports field in an orderly formation to an uplifting tune.All present stood at attention when the national anthem was played, including the refugee students, who gave a spirited rendition of Negaraku despite calling different countries home. The opening speech was delivered by UNHCR-Tzu Chi Project Coordinator, Dr Foo Seay Liang, who noted that an education and proper meals are insufficient in attaining holistic development, as engagement in sports is equally instrumental in moulding a well-rounded individual with a wholesome character. After the students were neatly grouped in four contingents according to their corresponding team colours, student representative Mohd Hossein Rezaie led them in taking the athletes’ oath. Hossein, an Afghanistan native, had recently transferred from the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) to Unity School in Ampang to pursue his studies. The students dispersed into two groups to perform a lyrical sign language interpretation of the song “Children of the Earth” and an aerobics routine respectively. They set the tone for the event with their lively, well-rehearsed moves and infectious energy; even the parents and volunteers watching from the sidelines could not resist joining in. Camaraderie above all The students were eager to prove their mettle in 34 sporting events, including track- and-field events, a beanbag race, hopscotch and various other games. Parents were not left out of the fun as they participated in the short- distance sprints. The highlight of the day was a friendly tug- of-war match between the volunteers, teachers, alumni of the refugee schools and parents. Winning was the least of the participants’ concern, as they cherished the opportunity to bond over light-hearted banter and shared memories. The Green team was crowned the overall champion of the sports meet amid the students’ jubilant cheers and joyous embraces. The well- deserved victory was the icing on the cake, a fitting recognition of the students’ efforts that marked a memorable end to the occasion for both the students and their parents alike. “The refugee children come from different backgrounds, nationalities and religious faiths, yet they have managed to transcend all boundaries to learn together and achieve mutual understanding in contributing to a stable and peaceful society,” noted UNHCR Representative, Thomas Albrecht in his closing speech. He also expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi for supporting the balanced physical and emotional development of refugee children to empower them to forge ahead in life. pecial Feature