Red, Blue, Yellow and Green, these colors were seen everywhere, on shirts, signs and posters, and even on faces, all in the spirit of sportsmanship. Avid supporters cheered the participants on enthusiastically as they strived to win and bring glory to their own houses. Last year's race for the First House Cup invoked a strong sense of competition among every sportsman and sportswoman, and it was a huge success. Let's hear what the house captains have to say about this year's competition!

Rumah Harimau: Andrew Heng, Form 5 Commerce:

YJC: What are the preparations being done by your house for Sports' Day and Swimming Gala?
Andrew: During the holidays, we had practice from November and December on Fridays for fitness training. For swimming, we had swimming on Mondays and Wednesdays. The captains have been training for squash because there are not many players in the team who knows how to play. The captains and members have been working very hard and I am very proud of them.

YJC: Were there more sign-ups for sports this year compared to last year?
Andrew: This year, the girls in the house are very active but the guys...(falters) we are trying to convince them to sign up because it is tough on the others. They have to play more sports because there are not enough people.

YJC: Could you tell me a little bit about the achievements and how your house is doing so far?
Andrew: We haven't won the house Cup in about sixteen years so hopefully this year, we will. I'm going to do my best. My goal is to win and I'm going to try my best.

YJC: Which sports do you think your house is strongest at?
Andrew: For guys its handball, football, basketball and rugby. For girls, their football 5-a-side and handball are quite good. They are also not that bad at netball.

YJC: What do you think the students will learn from these competitions?
Andrew: They will learn to be leaders, learn how to work with others and I think they will also be physically and mentally stronger. As long as they are willing to learn, I'm sure they will benefit a lot from this. Just do your best, then I will be happy.

YJC: What do you do to motivate your house members?
Andrew: I don't really scold them (cough) but I usually advise them to do their best. As long as they do their best, it doesn't matter if we win or lose. If you do your best, I will be happy.

YJC: What are the qualities you want to see in your members?
Andrew: I hope they will be more enthusiastic, show more dedication and commitment. Then I will be happy (laughs).

YJC: What do you think makes Harimau stand out?
Andrew: I have one word–everything.

YJC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Andrew: To make me happy, do your best (laughs). To all the other houses, good luck! To everyone in Harimau: Andrew Heng is very nice and leng chai too!

Rumah Beruang: Kristyn Gan, Form 5 Science 2:

YJC: What are the preparations being done by your house for Sports' Day and Swimming Gala?
Kristyn: We sort of have the core idea on what we’re going to do this year. Swimming Gala… no pressure huh? (laughs) Anyway, we’re definitely going for Gold again this year. And you won’t be able to miss us during sports day!

YJC: Were there more sign-ups for sports this year compared to last year?
Kristyn: Yeah, you can say that, we’re really encouraging students to join so they don’t really have a choice.

YJC: Could you tell me a little bit about the achievements and how your house is doing so far?
Kristyn: One of our major achievements is being the reigning champion of Swimming Gala for 6 years which is a pretty long time. So, we’re going to try our best again this year. We didn’t so well in debate and quiz, but that’s not going to bring us down! Oh, and we won sports day last year, too!

YJC: Which sports do you think your house is strongest at?
Kristyn: We’re very all-rounded; not literally, of course. Anything or any sport you throw at us we can do. I have to say we’re particularly strong at swimming. Whoever heard of bears that can swim so well?

YJC: What do you think the students will learn from these competitions?
Kristyn: I think they will learn how to work together because all of them are so different. I mean, for sports, its not just one person competing, we all have to work as a team. I hope they will also learn to be responsible and not only give their best but bring up the team at the same time.

YJC: What do you do to motivate your house members?
Kristyn: I guess to motivate them we give them a lot of encouragement; it also helps that the younger members see how excited and enthusiastic the seniors are about the well-being of their house.

YJC: What are the qualities you want to see in your members?
Kristyn: I want to see, most importantly, loyalty in all the house members. I mean, they can’t be in Beruang and support other houses. If you want your house to win, you have to be all for your house. With uncooperative members, it’s just not going to work out. I want to see all Beruangs put in 100% effort for everything they do. Please?

YJC: What do you think makes Beruang stand out?
Kristyn: I think we stand out because... we’re really warm and cuddly? Just kidding! I think we’re fighters, we want to win and we won’t stop till we get what we want.

YJC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kristyn: To our competition, watch out because we’re really gonna rock the houses! To the rest of the house members, be excited, because it’s going to be an awesome year!

Rumah Seladang: Lai Pik Kaye, Form 5 Science 1:

YJC: What are the preparations being done by your house for Sports' Day and Swimming Gala?
Pik Kaye: For Sports Day, we have come up with a sort of theme. We’re trying to get more ideas from the rest of the Seladangs. I think the sports captains have started training. I hope they are not sitting around, counting their toes or something.

YJC: Were there more sign-ups for sports this year compared to last year?
Pik Kaye: Well, for certain sports, there are more people signing up, but for some others, there are not so many, it’s not so different.

YJC: Could you tell me a little bit about the achievements and how your house is doing so far?
Pik Kaye: Okay, we finally decided on a theme. We feel glad that Seladang won debate and came in second for quiz. I was not disappointed and would like to thank them for giving us a good head-start.

YJC: Which sports do you think your house is strongest at?
Pik kaye: Well, we’re okay at tennis and squash for boys. For the girls, they are generally alright at volleyball and marching. Hopefully next year we’ll retain first place. Aside from that, I also hope that we do well for House Deco.

YJC: What do you think the students will learn from these competitions?
Pik Kaye: Through sports involving teamwork, they will learn to work together; especially the younger students, like the Form Ones and the new students because they are also part of Seladang.

YJC: What do you do to motivate your house members?
Pik Kaye: We create chants and shouts to lift their spirits. Other than that, we also give pep talks as motivation.

YJC: What are the qualities you want to see in your members?
Pik Kaye: I think commitment is very important. I hope they don’t only sacrifice effort but also are willing to spare time to help out, and also I hope they volunteer more.

YJC: What do you think makes Seladang stand out?
Pik Kaye: Some people don’t see it, but when Seladangs are motivated, their spirits are very high. I hope to see more of that.

YJC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Pik Kaye: I honestly hope all Seladangs do their best and every bit counts.

Rumah Helang: Nicholas See, Form 5 Science 1

YJC: What are the preparations being done by your house for Sports' Day and Swimming Gala?
Nick: Well, we are training, practicing and we’re planning to win!

YJC: Were there more sign-ups for sports this year compared to last year?
Nick: I’ll say it’s about the same because every year, we get new people and, yeah, it’s about the same, basically.

YJC: Could you tell me a little bit about the achievements and how your house is doing so far?
Nick: Well, as you all know, Helang has been winning practically every year, and we hope it continues. (Editor’s note: Don’t get overconfident, Nick!)

YJC: Which sports do you think your house is strongest at?
Nick: I’d say water polo or handball.

YJC: What do you think the students will learn from these competitions?
Nick: Well, they will learn that teamwork is essential in Helang, and that sportsmanship is very important as well.

YJC: What do you do to motivate your house members?
Nick: I give pep talks to them to motivate them.

YJC: What are the qualities you want to see in your members?
Nick: I definitely want to see teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership.

YJC: What do you think makes Helang stand out?
Nick: Their awesome captain!

YJC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nick: May the best house win, hopefully mine! (Laughs)