The morning of 29th April 2007 proved to be an early and exciting one for everyone. Cempakans were forced out of their beds at times as early as 5 a.m. Why? Held at the Kampung Pandan Stadium, Sekolah Sri Cempaka’s Annual Sports Day had finally arrived. The time had come for every house to present the outcome of the endless weeks of sports practice. Naturally, people were nervous and if waking up earlier allowed them extra time to run through everything, for last minute checking, they would certainly do it. It was the biggest event of the year, carrying the most points for the House Cup.

At 6:30 a.m., the stadium was already filled with cars. Parents were seen rushing after excited primary students while the older students prepared for the big day. The morning consisted mostly of the fidgety, young marchers being put into costumes, some reluctant, some enthusiastic. The runners ran about the tracks; warming up for their events as well as to remain calm. To top off the busy scene of the morning, mobile phones rang non-stop; captains of different houses paced about anxiously. Everything had to be perfect. It was The day.

By 7 o’clock that morning, Sports Day had officially begun. The release of colourful balloons by Datin Freida marked the start of the day’s event. The opening ceremony included Chan Nuo En singing the song ‘Reach’, and Claudillea Holloway singing the School Song . After that, the Cheerleading Champions of 2007, Rumah Helang of both campuses, performed their winning routines, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers. It soon came to the highlight of the day: the march past competition. Weeks and weeks of hard work were spent practicing and getting ready for this. Their efforts were not wasted. All houses put up amazing shows.

Marching in first was Rumah Seladang, singing songs in multiple languages; including Spanish. The audience was given the opportunity to witness bullfighting firsthand at the Kampung Pandan Stadium. Next up was Rumah Helang with their loud stomps and whistles, befitting their theme, Street Life, perfectly. As they marched out, in came the ‘Red Parade’ of Rumah Harimau. Again, there was plenty of stomping as well as a float carrying two young marchers. Finally, it was Rumah Beruang marching in with an army of penguins. True to the Hollywood spirit, one could spot the many big names of Hollywood; Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and even the one and only Double-0-7.

With the march past over, it was the runners’ turn to shine. The day went on with the running events. Once again, the sides of the tracks were crowded with loud screams and cheers. Each time a race was won, loud cheers followed. Ever so often, the teachers on duty; including Encik Ali, were forced to tell the eager spectators to take several steps away from the tracks. Despite the blazing sun, loyal supporters remained standing by the tracks, encouraging the runners to go faster. On the other end of the stadium, proud parents crowded around watching their young athletes compete in the Sukaneka 2007. Unaware that it was a competition, they were mostly having a good time.

As the last running event ended, parents and teachers were invited to sign up for the last events of the day: the Parent-Teacher events that consisted of Tug-of-War and running. Team Parents was made up of plenty of ex-Cempakans as well as sporting parents. Amongst the daring parents was Mr. Lim, father of Lim Su Lin, who signed up for the Tug-of-War. Team Teachers, on the other hand, included Cik Zainab, Encik Ali as well as others. The sight of the very teachers who drone on and on in class every day sweating it out sprinting around the tracks was unforgettable.

Sports Day was drawing closer to an end. Everyone was tired, yet, impatient to know the final result. However, before the day’s results were announced, the Prize-giving ceremony for the Parent-Teacher competitions was held. The trophies were then awarded to the Champions of Swimming Gala and Games Carnival 2007: Rumah Harimau and Rumah Helang. Then, the whole stadium went silent. Everyone stared in silence at Dr. Rizal, praying that their house would not be called first. And then in came: In first place for the March Past competition…Rumah HELANG! Loud cheers followed.

Finally, the Champions of Sports Day 2007…Rumah HARIMAU… and Rumah HELANG! Deafening roars from both houses filled the stadium. Not unlike every other year, Sports Day 2007, ended with a bang, if not better. That leaves only one more event before we find out who wins the House Cup this year, The iMovie competition. Who will take home the trophy this year? Only time will tell.