6 LUMEN | LEARNING
Paddlers
Who Rule the
Waters
By P Marakatham
Canoeing is one of the top-notch Co-Curricular Activities ( CCA ) in SJI . Over the past 20 years , the SJI Canoeing Team has brought the school to the forefront with their sterling results .
The ‘ C ’ Division Team has consistently emerged in the top two placing since 1991 . In fact it has achieved an unprecedented eight straight championship wins from 2004 to 2011 while the ‘ B ’ Division has clinched the top three standing for a decade . Many of the canoeists , who have since graduated from SJI , have gone on to represent Singapore at Regional and International competitions .
The canoeing team is fortunate to have Mr Huang Chun Jian , a member of China ’ s Olympics Canoeing team at the 1984 Los Angeles as coach for the past 12 years . His vast experience and deep knowledge of the sport has been invaluable to the school team in achieving greater glory .
But what exactly goes into the making of the
heart and soul of the SJI canoeist ?
“ Total commitment , endurance and sacrifice ” – these three qualities that stood out in Mr Lim Eng Kong ’ s ( one of the teachers-incharge of canoeing ) mind regarding this dream team . The members are disciplined and train tirelessly . Training sessions stretch from Mondays to Saturdays , and sometimes even on Sundays . Every canoeist is expected to be present at least four days per week . During the weekdays , the boys run in the mornings at 6.30am before lessons begin to build their stamina . Such is their level of commitment .
Together , they endure long stretches of strenuous physical training , sacrificing their weekends to achieve glory for their alma mater .
While canoeing at MacRitchie Reservoir , the boys sing their hearts out to make training fun . Their tenacity is evidenced by their shouts of encouraging words to each other although they are enervated . After the arduous weekend trainings , they have a meal together to strengthen the camaraderie amongst the canoeists .
Considering the fact that canoeing is largely an individual sport and with some team events consisting of no more than four canoeists , what is striking about the SJI canoeing team is its fervent team spirit . Every canoeist knows that there are weak and strong paddlers among them and each must work together to level up . They are constantly reminded by their coach and teachers in charge that they must endure all struggles to