SMI OLD BOYS WEEKEND 2009

"One day there will be a rugby pole. By then a rugby game can be played in front of SMI building and on the SMI field. It will be a great moment when a rugby game can be played and supported and cheered by the students. And it will be the most memorable one if the SMI Rugby team can play with their old boys.

This statement was made in our last year article in June 2008. After a year, a dream comes true.(click here for the full article)

It was an enjoyable weekend for SMI Old Boys and the students. On 1st August 2009, two games were held. An unprecedented game of friendship and brotherhood which the purpose is to strengthen the relationship between the present and past students of St. Michael's Institution Ipoh.

It all began couple of weeks ago when there was a discussion on bringing the games to the school and immediately after the meeting, a letter was sent to the school for approval. The Principal then approved the proposal and the rest is history. On that day, the old boys from various batches had a chance to be there once again on the historic field.

Prior to the starting of the game, the old boys and the boys gathered at the centre of the field and they were greeted and welcomed by the Michaelian Military Band. The band performed 2 songs and one of the song is none other than our school rally. The young and old sang together and for some old boys this was the first time they sang the school rally after so many years since their school days.

After the welcoming session, the first game of the day, Rugby 10 side took stage. The old boys rugby team wore an all blacks attire while the boys with their traditional green jersey. The youngest player for the old boys team came from the batch of 2008. There were two seniors from the batch of 80's. Mr Zailizan Zainal (batch 1989) came all the way from Kedah to join the game. The oldest player was Mr. Zolfa Zain(batch 1983). Mr. Zolfa was an ex national rugger and still active and a well known figure in rugby community. The rugby team also consists of players from different batches from the 80's-00's. Meanwhile the school ruggers were mainly from form 3-5 students. The students had to face the older and bigger opponent but it was not an excuse for them as they won the game with the results 10-0.

The highlight event of the day was the football match. Now it was the school players to wear black jersey and the old boys with their green jersey. The old boys team was strengthened by the presence of MYTEAM 1 goal keeper, Amir Sharifuddin(batch 1997). Our ex 100m sprinter, Lee Kar Wai from the batch of 1996, was also the member of the team. His running ability helps the team. Several players from the different batches were also there to beat the boys. They managed to held a 0-0 draw until the full final whistle blown. However, in the penalty shoot out, the old boys team was defeated 3-2

After the games, a closing speech ceremony was held. The principal, Mr. Phoon delivered his speech. He said that he was so proud that the old boys still remember the school although they had left the school so many years and this event was an important event which can benefit the students. He had an experience witnessing such similar event during his tenure at Malay College and support such a move by SMIOB. From this event the old boys who are now a career man willing to go back to their alma mater, bringing their spouse and children and associate themselves with the students. He considered it as a "PERSAHABATAN" between the old boys and the boys. He also encouraged the current students to do the same when they leave the school. And the tradition should be continued and preserved.

Mr. Phoon wish thank you to SMIOB for organizing such a great event and he also suggested that in the future more events can be part of the agenda such as a dinner and performance night between the old boys and the boys. After the closing speech, the old boys, students and the teachers went to the canteen for lunch which was sponsored by SMIOB.

SMIOB would like to wish our appreciation to those who participate in the event.

Terima kasih diucapkan kepada pihak sekolah terutamanya kepada Pengetua; Mr. Phoon, Penolong Kanan; En. Tauhid, wakil Old Michaelians Association(OMA); Mr. Harneak Singh dan Bro Matthew Bay, guru-guru yang hadir terutamanya kepada Cikgu Helmi dan Cikgu Adi yang banyak memberikan bantuan dan nasihat dalam menjayakan program yang julung kalinya diadakan di SMI.

Terima kasih daun keladi,
Tahun depan kita jumpa lagi.