INTERVIEW | LUMEN
21 daughter Melanie Martens along with her team to become hockey stars in their own right . Patrick became a revered and iconic track coach and had been one of the pioneers of SJI ' s Adventure Camps & Expeditions ( ACE ) programme , leading epic expeditions to places like the Himalayas .
In their formative years , both of them had been inspired by Brother Charles who was at the time an instrumental figure in shaping not just the PE curriculum but the lives of students . He had inspired many Josephians , to not only play sports but to live sports . Having received from their teachers and having been sports educators themselves , both Patrick and Peter emphasized strongly on the need to have devoted PE teachers who not only value sports but also sport the values that their education can impart to young individuals . It is this lesson that has stayed with them , to impart values such as perseverance and sportsmanship to many of their students . These include Ms . Chee Swee Lee who was coached by Mr . Zehnder , was the first Singaporean woman to win an athletics gold at the Asian games , as well as Mr . Christopher de Souza who continued his passion for hockey which was passed on to him by Mr . Martens . Many , including Mr Alfred Nathan , carry incredibly fond memories of Mr Zehnder , thinking and writing very highly of their teacher .
In spite of all their achievements , titles and honorific nicknames - Patrick is hailed as a master strategist for his incredible strategic
ability on both field and track and Peter as a maestro with a stick for his skill in hockey - both men carry themselves as merely two modest returning Josephians . If anything , all that was gleaned from our 40-minute conversation was that these were but two men who wanted to continue doing their best in making sports accessible for everyone and to impart the values that sports can teach , namely teamwork , perseverance and sportsmanship . Understandably in the eyes of many , not excluding myself , these are the same values that both these Josephians embody in totality and which all Josephians should aspire to . While pleasantly surprised about having these awards presented in their name , both Patrick and Peter continue to look towards the future , keeping fit and enjoying their silver years . In the words of Mr Zehnder , “ exercise should be regarded as a tribute to the heart .”
Peter Martens Trophy
Mr Peter Martens ( Class of 1952 ) was a revered hockey coach at SJI where he also taught Mathematics , English and Literature . He is remembered for his mentorship , the inspiration he imparted to the players , his wit and his tireless love for the sport . This Trophy was established in 2018 by Old Boys , all hockey players , to honour their former coach . As a testament to his attributes and values , this Trophy is awarded annually to a Year 1-2 student-athlete who has excelled outstandingly well in his sport at the National level . The criteria for the award is the award of SSSC Colours Award ( Distinction ) for that year .
The 2019 Peter Martens Trophy is awarded to Russell Yom Zhenyi ( MN202 ) who has achieved Colours Award ( Distinction ) in Sailing .
Educators are people defined not just by their teaching abilities , but also by their ability to embody what they teach . That is the undying hope that many , including Mr Peter Martens and Mr Patrick Zehnder , have for the Josephian community .
“... for the indelible mark that both men had left on their students and on SJI in their time as educators here in the school , that have brought those very students back to inaugurate two new sports awards in SJI ...
Facing page : Peter and Patrick with some of the alumni who donated to setup the 2 trophies in honour of the 2 former PE teachers
Patrick Zehnder Trophy
Mr Patrick Zehnder ( Class of 1954 ) was a dedicated and respected Track & Field coach at SJI where he was Head of the Physical Education Department . He is remembered for his love for all sports , his passion for sportsmanship , his mentorship and his drive to keep the human body fit . This Trophy was established in 2018 by Old Boys , all athletes , to honour their former coach and teacher . As a testament to these attributes and values , this Trophy is to be given to the fittest Year 2 student , based on the NAPFA test , thereby encouraging the student to excel in his sport or in his pursuit of fitness .
The 2019 Patrick Zehnder Trophy is awarded to Kieran Andre Longue ( ML202 ) who clocked a timing of 8 mins 15 secs in 2.4km .
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