The annual Swimming Gala never fails to amaze as Cempakans come together to raise funds for a deserving cause. This year, the proceeds collected go to the impoverished children in Gaza. Swimming Gala kicked off with the arrival of Yang Berbahagia Dato Hamzah Bin Abdul Majid, Chairman of Cempaka Holdings and Yang Berbahagia Datin Freida Bt Dato Mohd Pilus, Chairman of Cempaka Schools. As usual, this was followed by the singing of the school song and a welcome address by Dr Iskandar Rizal Bin Dato Hamzah, Vice Chairman of Cempaka Schools. After the opening ceremony of our 19th annual swimming gala by none other than Datin Freida, all guests were graced by the elegant synchronized swimming performance by the Cempaka Synchro Club, whose stunning movements and stunts wowed the crowd and upped the mood.

Moving on to other aspects of this significant event, Cempaka Avenue and the school canteen were transformed into many stalls and booths filled with delectable delicacies, knick-knacks, second-hand reads and the list goes on. If you missed the event, then you, dear reader, missed out on some seriously great food. The moment one sets foot in the canteen, an enchanting aroma wafts around your nose and you have the sudden urge to buy the next edible item you see. Besides that, there were also other enjoyable things going on such the many game booths in Cempaka Avenue. Among the many jovial activities happening all at once, one that I found most amusing was the haunted house organized by Seladang Cheras. The ‘haunted’ house was not so much as scary as it was utterly hilarious. From what I gathered from my one trip into the ‘haunted’ house, it was constructed out of 2 classrooms, garbage bags, and tables that were made into a maze. There would be people grabbing your legs from under the tables while you attempt to make you way through the maze all the while enduring eerie music and screams.

But of course, let’s not forget the ‘swimming’ in Swimming Gala. Booming cheers from the stands could be heard all the way from the canteen! Supporters were shouting their heads off and cheering on their respective houses and friends to victory! After what could only be a tiring competition, ‘Rumah Seladang’ emerged as the champion which drastically changed the winning pattern we’ve been having for the past few years. (A very big congratulations to all swimmers who made the win possible!)

Be sure to make it for next year’s Swimming Gala as it will be our 20th one!