Posted on 25-Apr-2012
April 25, 2012
SETAPAK, KUALA LUMPUR - Less than three weeks ago the two teams from SMK Taman Desa and SMK St. Gabriel emerged champions for their respective zones of Bangsar and Pudu (Kuala Lumpur is made up of four Zones) during the inter-school foot drill competition, a feat never before experienced by the BB of the Kuala Lumpur State Council.
Each team, 31 members strong, competed under the Non-Governmental Organisation (Males) Category. Altogether, only four schools representing a zone each competed in the PULAPOT grounds for the honour becoming KL's best drill squad. Facing the representatives from the Zones of Bangsar and Pudu were the Scouts team from SMK Wangsa Melawati (Keramat Zone) and SM Chung Hwa (Sentul Zone).
It was a straight forward event, not so different from the one the Boys competed in just three weeks before - a brief uniform inspection followed by their drill presentation, all averaging 20 minutes per team. The event which began at 10.00am finished an hour and a half later. BB was the first two teams to present, making the BB uniform difficult to miss in the massive parade ground bustling with activity from the other schools. Both BB teams presented well with their own formations which were the same ones used before not so long ago. It was a straight fight between the two BB teams and two Scout teams, all seemingly quite evenly matched.
It was a long wait before the results were announced as the Boys waited for the VIP which was the Deputy Education Minister of Kuala Lumpur to arrive. All participants were treated to a stunt presentation by the Army Red Warriors who wowed the crowed with their motorcycling cum acrobatic skills. Finally, came the moment for the results. All teams were requested to reassemble at the PULAPOT parade grounds, It was a wonderful show of unity by the BB Boys of which 62 of them marched together under the same command (normally, each school would march on their own).
The first announcement was for the best commander for the NGO (Males) category and the familiar name Timothy Lim from SMK Taman Desa was announced. After all best commanders from the other categories were announced, it was back to the Team results, where prizes were given away to the top three teams. SM Chung Hwa Scouts (Sentul Zone) was placed third, despite their precision display while SMK Wangsa Melawati (Keramat Zone) was placed second. Only one place remained, which was guaranteed spot for the BB, but it was also a sad realisation that one of the teams will not place. Finally, it announced that the BB Team from SMK Taman Desa (Zone Bangsar) has won the KL Federal Territory's Foot Drill Competition for the NGO (Males) Category! The Boys from SMK St. Gabriel need not feel discouraged as they showed that they were as good as the rest and are after all, one of the Top 4 of teams in Kuala Lumpur.
Left: All drill teams assemble, waiting for the results. Center: The Commanders of both teams, Sgt. Tang Hong Ee (St. Gabriel) and Cpl. Timothy Lim (Taman Desa). Right: Champions - SMK Taman Desa!
Towards the end of the day both BB teams showed a deep sense of brotherhood not shown by any of the other teams which mostly stuck to their own units. The Boys from Taman Desa and St. Gabriel's both acted exemplary and wearing the BB blues is indeed an honour and pride. The Lord has been good for granting both teams the opportunity of winning and competing in this level. The name of The Boys' Brigade, Briged Putera, is now well known and it is surely a proud thing to don a BB uniform.
Drill Teams from SMK Taman Desa and SMK St. Gabriel posing for a joint group photograph