AWAKENING THE LION 3

When my kids returned from school with a note inviting parents to the Chung Ching Middle School Lion ‘Eye Opening Ceremony’ my knee jerk reaction was to leave my camera at home (this time). The days leading up to the event had been a tiring week so naturally the thought of lugging a DSLR wasn’t all that exciting. However, no matter how much I resisted, I know there are few things at this event that I find particularly interesting — the attention to details that people would not normally have paid much attention to. Having done this twice prior, the element of fire has been the one thing that piqued my interest. If you have seen pictures from last year’s set you would be hard pressed to find much difference between the two occasions.

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It all begins with a click of a disposable gas lighter that lights up three large incense sticks.

This is my favourite "Flame" moment.

A member of the lion dance troupe wraps the new lion's eyes with red paper before commencement.

A close look at the colourful decorations on the lion's head.

Sprinkling blessed water onto the new lions including the drum (below) and other instruments.

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The founder of Soi Heng Coffee Shop (left) dotting the eye to awaken the new lion.

When photographers cross path ... click on image to see her reaction in the next frame.

The lions pay respect to the school Principal, Chairman and Board of Directors.

A view of the spectators and the packed hall an example of the popularity of lion dance performance.

The "Laughing Buddha" teases the lion much to the excitement of the spectators.

A "laughing Buddha" shakes the hand of CCMS School Principal

Dance troupe carrying the finished craft (a Dragon) by the skilfull performers for the appreciation of the school principal and Board of Directors.

Skilfully crafted Dragon made from fruits and vegetables to usher in the Year of the Dragon

ALL FANGED UP FOR THE TRACK

My daughter Jewel has so far this year competed in two sports meets. The first one (also her first ever attempt to run) was at her own school’s 4x100m back in May. Her only second run to-date was just a month back at the 3rd Battalion@Lumut Camp where she competed in both the 400m and 4x100m events. Thing is this, in both the events, she ran with the wrong type shoes for various reasons. Being new at this, we weren’t sure if it would be a worthwhile investment and compounding this matter was the fact that no suggestions had been made for Jewel to train in proper gear — equipment that may mean quicker times and possibly a very different outcome.

After two running events and seeing her enthusiam to run growing each day, I surprised her with this lime green spiked running shoes we named The Viper. Interestingly, my Dell Studio 17 is also lime green!

Jewel running in the Chung Ching Middle School's Green House 4x100m event.

“Of all races, the fierce competition between Amanda Koo of Chung Hua Middle School (KB) and Jewel Shim of Chung Ching Middle School primary section in the girls’ 400m event had the whole stadium on its feet” — Chua Guan Cheong | The Brunei Times

The 400m event at the Belait inter-school track and field meet at 3rd Battalion, Lumut Camp. Note that fellow runner, Amanda Koo (red) is properly geared in spiked running shoes. The idea here is not to pursue a competitive edge but rather a level playing field as far as split seconds are concerned.

OVERCOMING ALL ODDS TO TRIUMPH IN ATHLETICS

As a child, Jewel was dealt an unfair hand. Growing up with asthma and allergies she had been unable to partake in any physically demanding activity that would trigger her condition. As parents, we were extremely cautious about activities she had been enrolled in by her class teachers. Even at times we kept quiet about our concerns, it was nerve wrecking to know what she’s up against on the day of her event. Simply put, asthma and migraine triggers are everywhere around you — visible or otherwise. It wasn’t until her first-ever 4 x 100m run back in May at the 2011 Chung Chung Middle School Sports Meet that gave us an opportunity to not only re-evaluate our fears but also to discover that she can run — fast! Fast track ahead two months (slight pun intended) and once again found herself on race track except this time it’s four times the distance at whatever break neck speed she can muster from her irregular and short training schedule.

The Brunei Times newspaper clipping of 26 July 2011

The calm before the storm — anxious moments as Jewel observes the flag.

“Of all races, the fierce competition between Amanda Koo of Chung Hua Middle School (KB) and Jewel Shim of Chung Ching Middle School primary section in the girls’ 400m event had the whole stadium on its feet” — Chua Guan Cheong | The Brunei Times

“Amanda Koo, winner of the Best Female Athlete in Sunday’s Championship, was training behind Jewel Shim right from the beginning until the 350m mark … “

” … in an amazing final 50m dash, she overtook Shim at the finishing line, just piping the Chung Ching girl by a mere 0.16 of a second. Koo’s timing was 1 min 23.04 secs, while Shim’s timing was 1 min 23.20 secs.”

Jewel’s runner-up medal for her 400m event with another medal for third place in the team’s 4 x 100m.

Jewel succumbed to breathing difficulties following the highly demanding 400m event. Thanks to the quick response medical team, a couple of Ventolin puffs and most of all the support of her team mates, she was back on her feet in no time. I nearly had her pulled from further competition but respected her wish to fulfill her commitment to her school.

Chung Ching Middle School’s 4 x 100m runners waiting for their turn on the track.

Thank you Chua GC of The Brunei Times for this picture of Jewel receiving the baton.

Training behind Jewel is St Margaret School runner Denise C. with Jewel showing no signs of slowing down.

Passing the baton to team mate Haarnieqa for the final dash to win the team 3rd place in this event.

Bronze medal for the 4 x 100m event bringing a total of two personal medals to add to a growing collection of trophies from the children’s academic accomplishments at school.

Jewel’s bestest team mates in the 4x100m event. Nothing more satisfying than team-work WIN! When Jewel succumbed to breathing difficulties right after her 400m run, her 4×100 team mates stayed by her side the whole time she was receiving medical attention.  When she recovered, they assured her “It’s OK if we don’t win” and that it’s perfectly OK if she cannot run the 4×100. So adamant about not disappointing her friends and team that she refused to be sidelined and they went on to win  a bronze!

Several shades darker after being baked at the 3rd Battalion, Lumut Camp! Congrats @jewelshim for finishing 2nd at the grueling 400m race!

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JAN SHIM (@janshim) July 24, 2011

@janshim thanks for sharing. Such inspiration!

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Flitty McKnickers (@FlittyMc) July 29, 2011