Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category
Featured YOG Athlete: Jabez Su
August 12th, 2010 by CCA PROSome of you might have seen him dribbling down the basketball court during the school nationals earlier this year; some of you might have seen him walking along the corridor; some of you might have seen him as part of the contingent running with the torch-bearers this morning. This Youth Olympic Games, see him, Jabez Su, playing for Singapore in the 3-on-3 Boys Basketball.
HCunite scores an exclusive interview with Jabez!
1. When did preparation for YOG begin? Any highs or lows thus far?
We participated in the recent AYG in 2009. Our trainings started at the beginning of 2009 so as to prepare ourselves for the upcoming YOG and AYG back then. AYG was indeed a rich experience for us as we battle the best teams in Asia. We were also quite satisfied with our results and performance. A short break was awarded so as to allow the members to prepare for their major exams. Immediately after these exams, we were back to training almost 5-6 times a week till today. There were quite a few of training tours and preparation games prepared for us as well.
2. In RedsportsV, an online poll for the best 5 B Division players in Singapore, last year, you received the highest number of votes!! Any comments on this?
Thanks for those who had high hopes in me!
3. You’ve been in a number of basketball teams – Catholic High, Hwa Chong, YOG, among others. What are the challenges you face in adapting to the styles of different teams, and how do you overcome them?
YOG and the other teams are played in different format and rules. The YOG game was designed in a way that it became a faster paced 3on3 game, hence limiting the game strategies. The challenge to adapt into this team’s style will be adapting to the game rule and format.
As we progress in terms of basketball, we tend to switch teams frequently. My main challenge will be adapting to the playing style of these teammates and living up to the coach’s expectation on court.
4. What words of encouragement do you have for your fellow athletes who have hopes of taking part in such a major competition in the future?
When speaking about basketball, I guess we Singaporeans are always at a physical disadvantage when we compete internationally. However, stay confident and play hard. I guess this applies to all other sports as well.
5. Anything you want to say to your fans on HCunite?
Thank you very much!!
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Canoeing: Club Crew World Championship in Macau
August 12th, 2010 by CCA PROOn 26 July, the Hwa Chong canoeing team headed for the Club Crew World Championship held in Macau. This trip was the first time the team has competed overseas, and promised to be an eye-opener for them. Over the course of four days and ten grueling races, the team took home not only medals, but more importantly, invaluable experience and fond memories.
The team went through much training in preparation for this trip. There was a good mix of cardiovascular, strength and dragonboat trainings in order to prepare the team for this competition. Although the trainings were both physically and mentally demanding, it was all worth it in the end as we went for the competition.
The first race of the competition was the mixed 20-crew 2000m event which the team did not perform up to standard for. However, the team bounced back by putting up a good fight in the Mixed 20 Crew 200m event, eventually coming in first. They went on repeat their good showing in the Mixed 20-Crew 500m, bettering their personal best.
After the races, there was a combined training with National Junior College and we saw how our traditional rivals worked. It was an eye-opener for us as we have limited interactions with other teams. We learnt that good sportsmanship builds friendships through competition.
There was also the celebratory dinner, where all the competitors gathered to rest and relax after the races. We had the chance to interact with teams from other countries such as Russia, Australia and China. It was interesting as we learnt more about people from different cultures. We also got to taste food from different countries such as New Zealand ice cream.
We faced some challenges while preparing for the CCWC. It was the first time many of us have paddled. Hence, we were both inexperienced and not physically strong as compared to most of the other paddlers. We also had no idea about many of the technical aspects of paddling. Fortunately, with the aid of our coach and teachers-in-charge, we were able to solve these problems before we left.
This trip has taught us much about ourselves. Firstly, we learnt that hard work pays off. The countless demanding trainings we endured before Macau paid off as we reaped the rewards.
At the beginning, there were many doubts as to whether we could achieve anything at the competition as our competitors were much more experienced and bigger than us. However, after our competition, we realized that we could actually hold our own against them, which boosted our morale and gave us more confidence.
We believe this trip would prove to be an important stepping stone for next year’s National School’s Canoeing Championships as we aim to bring glory to our school next year. As many of us were inexperienced, it provided us with valuable competition experience that would aid our growth as a competitive canoeist. We were to able to improve our focus and discipline as a team, and the competition also made us all mentally stronger while forging a more bonded team.
HC Canoeing Team
2010
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Past vs. Present 2010: Rules
August 11th, 2010 by CCA PRO
Duration of each of the games might be longer or shorter, depending on the number of teams.
Registration hasn’t open yet but start forming your teams first to avoid disappointment!
For any queries, please email Kian Keong at skk678@gmail.com.
1) Volleyball Boys Event
No. of Players: 6 Players on court, with at least 1 reserve, max 2 reserves.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 8at: Round Robin in Group Stages, top 2 teams from each group proceed to the Semi-Finals. If 5 or less teams, Round Robin format applicable, with top 2 teams proceeding to Finals, 3rd and 4thwill play a 3rd and 4th playoff match.
Limitations: NO limitations on number of school team players.
Rules: Standard A Division Volleyball Rules. Best of 3 Sets. In the 3rd Set, first team to reach 15 points win. Deuce is applicable. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
2) Volleyball Mixed Event
No. of Players: 6 Players on court, with at least 1 reserve, max 2 reserves.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 8
Format: Round Robin in Group Stages, top 2 teams from each group proceed to the Semi-Finals. If 5 or less teams, Round Robin format applicable, with top 2 teams proceeding to Finals, 3rd and 4thwill play a 3rd and 4th playoff match.
Limitations: NO limitations on number of school team players. Minimum of 3 girls on court.
Rules: Standard A Division Volleyball Rules. Best of 3 Sets. In the 3rd Set, first team to reach 15 points win. Deuce is applicable. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
3) Basketball 3on3 Boys Event
No. of Players: 3 Players on court, with 1 reserve only.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Format: Round Robin in Group Stages, top 2 teams from each group proceed to the Semi-Finals. If 5 or less teams, Round Robin format applicable, with top 2 teams proceeding to Finals, 3rd and 4thwill play a 3rd and 4th playoff match.
Limitations: NO limitations on number of school team players.
Rules: Standard AYG 2009 Rules. 2 Halfs, 5 minutes running time each. 1 timeout granted to each team per half. Continuous game clock until final 1 minute of each half. No shot clock, but referee can call a foul for having possession for too long at own discretion. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
4) Basketball 3on3 Mixed Event
No. of Players: 3 Players on court, with 1 reserve only.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Format: Round Robin in Group Stages, top 2 teams from each group proceed to the Semi-Finals. If 5 or less teams, Round Robin format applicable, with top 2 teams proceeding to Finals, 3rd and 4thwill play a 3rd and 4th playoff match.
Limitations: NO limitations on number of school team players. Minimum of 2 girls on court.
Rules: Standard AYG 2009 Rules. 2 Halfs, 5 minutes each. 1 timeout granted to each team per half. Continuous game clock until final 1 minute of each half. No shot clock, but referee can call a foul for having possession for too long at own discretion. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
5) Street Soccer 5on5 Open Event
No. of Players: 5 Players on court, with only 1 reserve. For teams playing at the smaller street soccer court beside Kong Chian, 4 players on court, with 2 reserves. Teams which register first will play on the bigger court.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 16
Format: 4 groups of 4 teams playing in Round Robin format. Top team from each group will proceed to the Semi-Finals.
Limitations: NO limitations on number of school team players.
Rules: 10 minutes continuous game clock. Goalkeeper can venture beyond semi-circle but no use of hands beyond area. Half court shooting rule applies. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
6) Captain’s Ball Mixed Event
No. of Players: 6 Players on court, with at least 1 reserve, max 2 reserves.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Format: 4 groups of 4 teams playing in Round Robin format. Top team from each group will proceed to the Semi-Finals.
Limitations: Minimum of 2 girls on court.
Rules: 10 minutes continuous game clock. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
7) Handball Open Event
No. of Players: 7 Players on court, with at least 1 reserve, max 2 reserves.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Format: To be confirmed.
Limitations: No restrictions.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Rules: TBC. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
http://www.hfs.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=68
Floorball Open Event
No. of Players: 7 Players on court, with at least 1 reserve, max 2 reserves.
Maximum No. Of Teams: 12
Format: Round Robin in group stages, followed by semi finals and finals.
Limitations: No restrictions.
Rules: 10 mins continuous gameplay. Referee’s decisions are final. Proper footwear is compulsory.
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Past vs. Present 2010: Goodie Bags!
August 11th, 2010 by CCA PROHey!
All participants will receive a FREE GOODIE BAG!! with vouchers and products from our lovely sponsors! Within you will find Yeo’s products, and vouchers from Frolick as well as De Coder’s Cafe! More coming soon, keep checking back and see the list of sponsors grow!
Don’t forget, all participants will also receive a PvsP 2k10 tee shirt! In my opinion, the goodie bag itself is well worth the registration fee, so if you guys like to wear school affiliated tees and strut your stuff, feel free to sign up for the gifts! 
Registration’s gonna open soon (just not yet sorry! ^^), so form your teams first and sign up early once registration starts to avoid disappointment, for we have limited number of goodie bags to go around! (But our estimates should be quite reliable, so we aim to Not Disappoint ahaha)
The Past versus Present Organising Team 2k10
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Featured YOG Athlete: Rania Rahardja
August 10th, 2010 by CCA PROThe whole Singapore is trembling, not of our fear, but from the shivering bodies of our country mates’ opponents.
4 days. 96 hours. 5760 minutes. That is all the time that our athletes have left before they make their mark on the international scene. After years of intense preparation, crunch time has finally arrived.
Rania of 10S6F, is here to tell us about her journey.
Fencing is emerging very strongly in the Hwa Chong sports scene and the Singapore scene (is it?). When did you pick up fencing, and what did you have to go through to get to where you are now?
I started fencing when I was 14. I passed by a club on the way for tuition then and I thought the idea of “sword-fighting” seemed pretty fun. As I was on long term MC for the previous years, I was physically very weak when I picked up the sport. I had to work hard on physical conditioning. For a heads start, in secondary 3, I jogged about thrice a week in school before flag raising in the morning. I started with 3 rounds only, then gradually increased more each time.
How often do you practice fencing? Is there any form of cross-training needed to improve your fencing skills?
Currently, I train at least 5 times a week, including group lessons, private training as well as conditioning.
I think swimming and badminton are good forms of cross training. Badminton is similar to fencing as it involves a lot of wrist movement.
Standing at over 1.74m tall and unrivalled in prowess, do you look down at/on (?) your opponents?
I think being tall gives me an advantage in the sport, but natural physical built is not sufficient. Hard work and determination is whats crucial to succuess!
Anything else to say?
With all that passion ready to explode, we must always keep in mind that the YOG is in the end a game of sportsmanship from start to finish. So we must be humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.
Popularity: 1% [?]
JYOF Photo-Taking Competition
August 10th, 2010 by CCA PROWhats up Hwa Chong!!!!!!!!!!
This is your PROs here speaking on behalf of the PE Department!
With the highest number of YOG representatives, we get the honour of being the first school to mark the start of the Journey of The Youth Olympic Flame, JYOF, for the day!
To all those who do not get to experience the joy of representing your country, guess what? There is another competition for you to win! Presenting to you, the 2010 JYOF Photo-taking competition! Possibly a once-in-a-lifetime event, what better and fun way to celebrate our athletes’ success by taking part in the photo-taking competition organised by the PE department?
Fret not, with every success comes a goodie bag! The top 3 entries will receive attractive prizes!
Simply submit a high resolution digital photo suitable for at least 8 x 10” print with a photo title and a short description of the photo together with your name and class to jyofphoto@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can submit the digital file of the photo in a CD and drop by the PE department to hand it over.
So what are you waiting for? Get up and get that DSLR/12MP camera/vga and start shooting some scenes!
Popularity: 1% [?]
Featured YOG Athlete: Caroline Chew
August 6th, 2010 by CCA PROCome 14th August, the first-ever Youth Olympic Games will officially begin. Come 14th August, Singapore will make our mark as the first country to host the YOG. Come 14th August, our Singapore flag will fly high as our athletes endeavour to do our nation proud.
Hwa Chong is the school with the most number of state representatives in YOG 2010, and proudly so. Throughout this period, HCunite will bring to you exclusive interviews with our very own sportsmen who are representing the nation in the games, so check often for the latest interview with our sportsmen.
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First up in this series is Caroline Chew of 09A14 who is representing Hwa Chong in Equestrian in the Show Jumping Individual category.
1. When did preparation for YOG begin? Any highs or lows thus far?
Preparation for the YOG began in earnest in 2008, when I found out that I had to switch disciplines from dressage, which was what I had been concentrating on, to show jumping, the YOG discipline. Having already been riding competitively for 6 years, including a trip to Thailand for the SEA Games 2007, this wasn’t as daunting as picking up a sport from scratch, but was still a challenge. However, I managed to make the change quickly enough to make the qualifying score for the YOG, a mammothilian task for me on top of studies and continuing my dressage career.
2. Equestrian is a fairly lesser-known sport. Want to bust any myths or inform us of how it goes? How did you get into equestrian?
The obvious one to refute is that equestrian/horse riding does not equate racing! That’s just one of the disciplines, albeit the most visible one. I got into it as a family sport, which progressed, at least for my sister and I, into a competitive one after about 4 years of riding for fun.
3. How have your friends, family and teachers helped you in this journey?
My tutors have been extremely good about letting me have time off to train and compete, particularly for long overseas trips, allowing for a flexible schedule which has been essential to preparations for the events. My parents, too, have not stopped backing me despite the huge commitment in terms of time and cost that has been put into this YOG effort. Of course emotionally and mentally, friends have been at the forefront of allowing me to keep my sanity through hard times.
4. Equestrian is not commonly played by Hwachongians. How does it feel not being able to share your love for equestrian with your school mates?
Of course there isn’t a direct link to horses for many of my peers, but the parallels found in sport as a whole are still a strong basis for comparison and common ground.
5. Do you have your own horse? If so, how do you and your partner mentally and physically prepare before each competition?
I do have a few horses, but the one I qualified for the YOG on is called Pikadeur. In terms of fitness, we train 6 times a week together, ranging from conditioning work to technical exercises aimed at improving our jumping skills. Pika is actually an extremely clever, experienced horse, which helps a lot in training and when competitions come around. However, I still spend a lot of time learning how to bring out the best performance, and how to make those split second decisions that inevitably arise in the competitions themselves.
With this, we conclude our interview:) You have the whole school behind you, Caroline. Give your all for your school, and for your nation. Jiayou!
Popularity: 1% [?]
Ultimate Frisbee Inter-JC Match Report
July 25th, 2010 by CCA PROThe early morning downpour did little to dampen the spirits of the Hwa Chong Ultimate Frisbee team as they booted up at the fields of Sengkang, where the 6th Inter JC Ultimate Frisbee Tournament was to be held. Months of hard work led up to this day where they would sprint, jump, layout, catch, huck and score – all for the love of the disc.
The two Hwa Chong teams were placed in different pools, each facing tough competitors who have previously held the championship title. Donning their white jerseys proudly displaying our school’s emblem, the players did their warm-ups in the drizzle, steeling themselves for the day’s matches – HC Team A against RJ Team B, ACS(I) and SAJC, HC Team B against RJ Team A, CJC and ACJC. Before the horn for the first pull went at 9am, all thumbs were in on the disc and a resounding woosh marked the start of their fight for the championship.
Fears that the rain would affect their throws and catches were allayed when HC Team A won their first match with a score of 9-4 against RJ (B), boosting the team’s morale despite the gloomy skies. Despite their subsequent loss in a close fight with ACS (I), Team A’s win over SAJC with a score of 12-5 secured them a place in the semi-finals.
Team B, on the other hand, faced strong opponents in their pool and put up a hard fight and never gave their opponents an easy time. Given that the team comprised predominantly J1s who have just been introduced to the sport this year and had a mere 5 months of training, they showed much determination and resolve as they met with seasoned players from other junior colleges, and did the school proud by overcoming SAJC with a score of 10-7.
The rain finally let up in the early afternoon and as the sun peeked out from behind the grey clouds, both teams remained upbeat about their subsequent matches, simply enjoying the pride and inexpressible joy of playing the game they all loved as one Hwa Chong team.
The semi-finals ended with a disappointing loss of HC Team A 4-12 to traditional rivals RJ Team A, leaving them to fight for 3rd placing with ACJC. 2009 Inter JC champions, ACJC proved to be tough opponents as our players battled in the muddy fields to maintain the position we attained last year. After 90 minutes of running their hearts out, our players finally triumphed with a score of 9-4, emerging as overall 2nd runners-up in the tournament.
On another pitch, the two powerhouses, RJ (A) and ACS (I) faced off in the finals in an exciting exchange of well-honed offense styles and defense tactics. After a full day of matches, the players from both teams were visibly tired but they maintained a high level of aggression in the game, showing us the wonders of pure grit and determination. RJC eventually brought home the championship title – a first in their history of Ultimate Frisbee.
Despite only achieving 3rd placing this year, our school players were far from letting us down. In fact, there were outstanding performances with a couple worthy of mention. Tess Teo, from 09S60, was crowned MVP (Female) for her exceptional game play, connecting passes and scoring several times. Team captain Toh Jia Ming, from 09S69, was named a member of the 2010 Dream Team. One of the top seven players selected across the JCs, he executed numerous excellent throws and controlled the game well. Indeed, our players have shown that with perseverance and hard work, the passion for the disc has pushed them beyond their limits to strive for excellence in the sport.
The Hwa Chong Ultimate Frisbee team is proud of our growth from individuals who could barely catch a flying disc to a united and bonded team which has endured rain and shine, sweat and tears, mud and grass together. We would like to thank the school for allowing us to pursue our common passion for the disc, even if it meant travelling outside school to train. And also Ultimate players from the other JCs, who have shown us how the game can be brought up to much higher levels and what the love for the disc can achieve.
While this will be the last time the J2s play bearing the name of Hwa Chong, the J1s have been inspired to train hard in the following year to fight for the championship once again, and more importantly, to keep the passion for Frisbee burning in Hwa Chong.
Team A: Toh Jia Ming, Ong Teong Heng Derric, Lee Joon Fai, Ng Keng Boon, Tan Sheng Jie, Tan Zi Han Olivier, Ian Chua Cheng Yong, Jonathan Ng Jie Hui, Chua Wei Jie, Chen Yong Quan, Ong Jun Jie Nelson, Ong Junjie Melvin, Teo Shi Jun Tess, Tan Si En Danette, Ho Jin Qing, Koh Jingzhi Iris, Lim Jia Wen, Koh Jia Min, Goh Ying Siu
Team B: Chong Wei Zeng, Wang Lukai Patrick, Ong Chin Teck, Jonathan Seng Shen Jie, Chen Yongrui, Lim Chieh Loong, Chua Wei Chieh, Lim Yang Wei Leonard, Liu Jia Da, Yang Jingdong, Feng Weidong, Chua Ren Jing Sherwin, Voon Wei Ren Jonathan, Lim Leh Chuan, Maung Kyaw Htet Aung, Toh Qin Wei Darren, Liew Wen yung Alastair, Donovan Wong De Wen, Lim Siew Ying, Shermaine Chua Shi Ying, Fong Meichun, Yow See Wei, Yeo Kai Lin, Quek Ying Hui
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Spike 2010!
July 22nd, 2010 by CCA PROHey Hwachongians!
Feeling stressed about all the workload and tests coming up? Wanna take a break before diving back into all that work? Here’s an event just for you- SPIKE2010!
SPIKE 2010 is a beach volleyball tournament held on the pristine sands of Tanjong Beach, on the 31st of July (Sat) from 830am-630pm. This event is organised by Hwa Chong Alumni Association Youth Chapter, and we hope all Hwachongians can be part of this great event. So, form your teams with your fellow Hwachongians now!
There are 2 categories you can sign up for:
Men’s Elite 2 on 2
Mixed 4 on 4
If you want to battle best in the league, grab a partner and put your name down for the Men’s Elite 2 on 2. Here, elite players from all over the island gather to compete against one another for the title of Men’s Elite Champion. Be ready for some real action!
For the more recreational players who just want to enjoy beach volleyball for all it has to offer, don’t fret! We have just thing for you. Form a team of 4-6 players and join the 4 on 4 mixed category to enjoy beach volleyball with many matches!
Prizes are as follows:
Mixed 4 on 4
1st Prize: $600 plus vouchers
2nd Prize: $300 plus vouchers
3rd Prize: $200 plus vouchers
Men’s Elite 2 on 2
1st Prize: $250 plus vochers
2nd Prize : $150 plus vouchers
Registration closes on the 28th of July, so hurry form your teams and sign up at our blogsite!
For more information, please log on to our official blog:
or to our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=127901673895422&ref=ts
Cheers
Spike 2010 committee
Popularity: 1% [?]
Past vs. Present 2010
July 9th, 2010 by CCA PROWhats up Hwa Chongians!!!!
Come on, all those who are guilty of staying up all night to watch the soccer match despite the fact that block tests were on the next day, raise your hands up!!Don’t worry you’re not the only ones who needed to release all that repressed energy 
. And what better way to celebrate it now that block tests are finally over ( T.T YES WE MADE IT THROUGH ALIVE), than to release it against our HC alumni during the Past vs. Present event?
What is Past vs. Present you say? Well, it is an annual event held in the afternoon before MAF, which sees current HC students compete against HC alumni in a series of sporting events that are sure to leave you at the edge of your seats in excitement! This event keeps the Hwa Chong spirit alive, presenting an opportunity for both past alumni and present students of Hwa Chong to reconnect.
Date: 11 September 2010, Saturday
Time: 0800 – 1700
Where: HWA CHONG INSTITUTION, DUH!
To all those fervent supporters of PVP, there is even greater joy to be gained from the fact that****drum rolls**** the Past vs Present Committee (PVPco) are looking for volunteers to help in these respective areas:
• Umpires for the various sports on the event day
If you are interested in being part of the Planning Committee for Past vs Present, or to volunteer your time in another way, please contact Justina at pvsp2010@gmail.com
Well, we can continue talking about how fun it is gonna be just to convince you to come, or you could make your mind up now, bring your other friends and start exercising to prepare for the Clash of Times. Just remember to leave those seemingly harmless vuvuzelas and those God-awful Jabulani balls back at home, eh?
For more information, check of the facebook event page under hcunite, or click here!
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