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The Star Online: Metro: South & East

Swimming Academy conducts training for young learners
Sabah shines at international stage
Felda settler recalls hard times in poem during celebration

Swimming Academy conducts training for young learners

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 03:18 AM PDT

MALACCA: Drowning cases are increasingly common these days. But, water is not the enemy. Connectively, becoming swimmers is a gift for life as it provides a lifetime of safety, fun and fitness.

With this in mind, the NSH Swim Academy (NSHSA) conducted a special two-in-one programme lasting ten days at the Malim Swimming Centre for beginner swimmers to learn swimming and to become familiar with water safety skills and techniques.

Some 30 children between the ages of 4 and 10 years attended the eight lesson programme along with their respective family elders and interested guardians.

NSHSA programme co-ordinator and chief instructor Ng Yau Kit said water could be very dangerous for young children.

"In fact, drowning is the most common case of accidental deaths for kids," he said.

According to Life Saving Society Malaysia, there are 200 cases of drowning in Malaysia every year.

Of these, 48% of victims were aged below 18. Drowning is more likely to claim a child's life more than any other accident. The ratio of drowning in boys to girls is 5:1, presumably because boys are more bold and daredevil.

"It because of these statistics that our academy is introducing a programme to help keep young children safe while in water.

"It is also our intention of helping to bring down fatality figures as stipulated by the national life saving body's feedback while also keeping check of injuries from non-fatal cases.

"All in all, we are providing valuable pointers and tips about water safety, not only for young children but also for their parents, caregivers and guardians to adopt and practice as and when the need arises," Ng said.

Most of the youngsters who participated in the programme were swimming novices.

As such, the NSHSA also simultaneously conducted a beginners' class where Ng , a former national swimmer and a qualified national Level Two coach took up the tutelage reigns.

"Taking up swimming at a very young age can lead to many interesting respects.

"Firsly, it leads one to having a disciplined lifestyle and a well-moulded character as lessons are systematic and repetitive.

"The sport also provides a healthy outlet for children's energy.

"If one is talented, pursuing competitive swimming ventures into gaining honour and glory on the local, national and international competitions' front.

"Apart from the competitive aspects, regular swimming sessions keeps one in good physical shape while inducing general fitness and endurance.

"With cases of obesity among children on the rise, swimming is the answer to keeping trim and healthy," he said.

Water therapy is also proving to be conducive to overcoming respiratory and other related ailments while acquiring aquatc skills holds one in good stead in landing jobs as swimming instructors, qualified coaches, life guards as well as private and public pool supervisors and attendants.

With the response and interest from children and guardians encouraging towards the recent programme, the NSHSA are very keen to conduct a similar one later this year, probably during the final term school holidays, Ng said.

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Sabah shines at international stage

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 03:18 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: The outstanding performance of Sabah College students at the recent World Dance Cup (WDC) 2011 in Paris, is a testament that Sabah's students are capable of competing and excelling at the international level, said state Education director Datuk Dr Muhiddin Yusin.

He said the secondary school's success in winning three gold medals and an award during the competition, should become a motivation for students and schools across Sabah to achieve excellence themselves in academic or non-academic areas.

"This school has done the department proud and put Sabah and Malaysia on the global map, as far as its students capability in dancing is concerned.

"Sabah College's success story will open the eyes of all parties and boost their confidence that local schools can make a name at international events, on par with institutions from developed countries," he said during the appreciation ceremony for the achievement at the school here, recently.

Last week, Sabah College in their debut at the WDC beat 27 other international teams in the National Folklore Dance (Group) Category, and also recorded a double victory in the Duet/Trio category, having won gold in the Contemporary and Best Overall titles.

The choreographer for the team of eight boys and two girls, was also honoured with the Best Choreography Award. ‑ Bernama.

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Felda settler recalls hard times in poem during celebration

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 03:18 AM PDT

JENGKA: It was an emotional moment for Felda settler Asari Othman as he took the stage to recite a poem during the Settlers Day 2011 celebration.

As he spoke the first line of his poem titled Siapa Aku? (Who Am I?)", Asari began to weep.

It became evident to listeners as to why he was overwhelmed by emotion when he continued reciting the poem.

It tells of the hardship faced by a settler on trying to tame the wilderness when he first started out under the Felda scheme.

After years of toiling and cultivating the land – the settler finally sees the fruit of his hard work.

The pioneer settler who came to Pahang in the '70s finished the poem to a standing ovation from the crowd.

He then proceeded to embrace Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak before walking off the stage and slipping away into a crowd of 30,000 settlers at the gathering.

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Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Khamis, 14 Julai 2011