A team with a proud tradition

Sepak takraw is a matter of pride at Fuchun Secondary. The CCA commenced in 1986, not long after the school itself was established. The long nurturing of this tradition has infused in every batch of players a strong desire to excel. For the past 3 years, the school's teams have achieved one of the top three spots at the National Inter-School championships as well as qualified for the Halimah Yacob Tournament held in 2008.

With a team size of just three, sepak takraw is a game that keeps every player on his toes. The constant pulse of excitement of each match was what led Johanes to pick up the CCA. "I think we all should try different sports," says the Sec 4 student, who is a member of the 'B' Division team. He adds, "It gives us an opportunity to interact and learn the culture and languages of the other ethnic groups as we play alongside them."

Team mates at home and on the court, brothers Adyfarez and Adyfaez sizzle in the sport of sepak takraw.

For Karna, who represents the school in the 'C' Division, what got him into the game was that it looked like everyone was having a good time. "I couldn't just stand there and watch my other friends play the sport," quipped the Sec 2 student. "I had to join in the fun as well, so I attended their training sessions!"

While it was the fun factor that reeled in many, what keeps everyone united is the sense of family that has become a hallmark of the 43-strong sepak takraw team. An "open arms" ethos dispels any awkwardness a new member might have. As Sec 1 student Suria Hamitharaj a/l Velliasamy recalls, "When I first joined, I was overwhelmed by how welcoming everybody was, and we all became good friends."

To foster this camaraderie, Mdm Ruzana Awalludin, one of the teachers-in-charge, regularly shuffles the boys into different regus during training sessions. "It's a way of creating a positive bonding amongst the players and to help them better understand their teammates," she explains.

Sharing a winning spirit

This team spirit infects the entire school too, with fellow schoolmates regularly turning up in force to cheer on the team during competitions. Even the principal, Ms Ranjit Kaur Dhaliwal, joins in to help bolster the team's morale in crucial final matches.

Their smiles belie the hard work and determination behind their success.

The atmosphere at last year's National Inter-School tournament was the most electrifying yet, as the boys had one mission in mind - to bring home the trophy. "Our target was to win," states Johanes as he recalled the determination he felt during the 'B' division quarterfinals. A team from Bedok North Secondary School managed to stop their advance, but the 'B' Division boys quickly set aside their disappointment to rally their younger peers in the 'C' Division.

Sadly, the 'C' Division finals ended in tears, as the Fuchun Secondary team lost to Chua Chu Kang Secondary in a close contest. "The team cried because we felt that we could have done better to win the championship," shares Karna, with a hint of wistfulness.

Still, Mdm Ruzana is proud that everyone gave their very best and sees a silver lining to the defeat. "Whatever it was, the experience drew the 'B' and 'C' Division players even closer together," she noted.

The new year will bring a fresh chance at glory and the thrill of a well-fought game. But as far as Fuchun Secondary's high kicking sportsmen are concerned, their success in forging lasting friendships and a strong common purpose already makes them all champions through and through.