imu cup 2014
Flashback: Kalaiyarasi Arujunan
Kalaiyarasi Arujunan, Female MVP 2014 (Griffin)
The IMU Cup is something that I look forward to every year, and this year was no exception. However, this being my last IMU Cup, I decided to enter more events than usual, and this afforded me the opportunity to learn new games as well as to interact with numerous individuals. The instantaneous bonding that developed between teammates during training sessions, the fun we had after practices, the pre-game anticipation and the thrills of competition are, in my opinion, something that could not have been replicated elsewhere. More importantly, I got to know many wonderful people, not just from my own house, but from the other houses as well throughout the two months. The fact that everyone was unbelievably supportive of each other, regardless of which team they were from, was a joy to behold. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my wonderful Griffin teammates, who were absolutely amazing throughout the entire duration of the competition, and showcased a tremendous amount of dedication and teamwork, and to my friends from the other houses for making the events so enjoyable and fun. I am also grateful to the IMU CUP Committee for organizing such a brilliant games festival. The amount of happiness i derived from this year’s IMU Cup truly cannot be defined and it is definitely an experience I shall treasure and look back on with fond memories.
The instantaneous bonding that developed between teammates during training sessions, the fun we had after practices, the pre-game anticipation and the thrills of competition are, in my opinion, something that could not have been replicated elsewhere.
Flashback: Yow YuXiang
Yow YuXiang, Male MVP 2014 (Hydra)
For four years I’ve been getting myself involved in the most grand sports event yet in IMU, which is the IMU Cup. In these past four years I’ve gone through all kinds of mixed feelings, from the sourest and saddest defeats to the most joyous and triumphant victories, and above all I’ve picked up the most important values in the field of sports, ‘determination, understanding and teamwork’.
I’ve picked up the most important values in the field of sports, ‘determination, understanding and teamwork’
Here is what I have to say for those who are passionate in sports and would want to be good at it. It is true that hard work comes with determination and hence, to improve oneself and to strive for the better it requires a 100% of determination. I still remember starting off badly in the first year because of my lack of experience in competitions. I was only involved in Football and Futsal which I thought I had played long enough, since I was as young as 11 years old, to bring a great impact to the team. Nonetheless, my first IMU Cup was a disastrous experience for me and I felt demotivated and demoralized by my mistakes which cost the game to my team. Despite the big stumble, my passion in sports did not come to a halt. Over the years I worked on my weaknesses and tried to improve my strength and agility and slowly I found myself committing lesser mistakes than before. I was able to work well with my team and I slowly claimed my first team position as well. We were crowned football champions in my second year in Hydra House, and in the third year I was promoted to be the football captain of Hydra House. Without disappointing the Hydra members’ expectations, we successfully defended our champion title in football! This positive outcome brought up my courage and I started joining sports that I had never tried in my life before! One of which I never thought I would even make up onto the stage, which was dance competition when it was first introduced in 2013! The result surprised me leaving me gobsmacked when my dance crew was announced the champion of the first dance competition of IMU Cup! Winning it on my debut was really a superb experience, and until now I still can not describe how happy and touched I was. There were a lot of other sports which were my first experience such as Frisbee, touch rugby, squash, tennis, darts, cheer etc. and whether winning or losing it, I enjoyed getting involved in all of those because I gave my full determination to them.
I did not win this MVP award with my own effort at all. I feel that I do not entirely deserve to be crowned as the MVP because it was in fact the entire team’s effort that won us the games. No matter what sports events, the team with the strongest spirits and attitude will always have a higher edge of winning the game. A team with excellent chemistry does not necessarily need the best players in the team. Every player has a positive impact to the team, and at the same time every player has their own weaknesses too. With good chemistry and team spirits, we were able to cover each other’s weaknesses and mistakes and synergise each positive impact from each player to produce the results that we dreamed for. As a football and futsal captain, I learned to be understanding to new members as well. Everyone has got to start somewhere to get better – exactly like how I was four years ago. I had a few new members who struggled to play well because they were inexperienced and less skillful. However, I was glad to have selected a team with players who are passionate, understanding, communicative and forgiving to each other’s mistakes which ultimately made us the third consecutive football champions in IMU Cup. The players who were initially having a tough time performing well blossomed under the team’s encouragements and praises, and eventually became the most important players which contributed to us defending the football championship.
…it was in fact the entire team’s effort that won us the games. No matter what sports events, the team with the strongest spirits and attitude will always have a higher edge of winning the game.
I would love to encourage not just the sport enthusiasts but every student out there in IMU to keep joining IMU Cup and make it a fun, competitive and meaningful event that will bring you sweet memories. Do not be discouraged by defeats and dreadful critics, use them as an experience and learn from the mistakes you made. If you’re passionate about sports, do not stop trying and one day your determination will pay off! In fact, campus life is probably the last stage where you will be able to get yourself involved in grand sports events like this. Do not waste your youthful physiques and souls! Just keep in mind that you should not take defeat too harshly. It is not a bad thing to lose because you have definitely learned something new from the games and because of that it is a gain for you, in other words – you are a winner as well. Winning does not mean everything too, it will serve as an encouragement for you to work harder to be even better than who you were before, because there is no end to learning and improving. As the saying goes, ‘success is never owned, it is being leased, and rent is due every day’.
It is not a bad thing to lose because you have definitely learned something new from the games and because of that it is a gain for you, in other words – you are a winner as well.
Lastly, if you were to ask me what was my best moment in all these IMU Cup seasons, nothing beats the closing ceremony of IMU Cup 2014! Watching Hydra going from 5th place in 2011, to 3rd place in 2012, and the sad slip in the last moments in 2013 when we lost the IMU Cup to Pegasus, and finally witnessing Hydra emerging as champions in this year’s IMU Cup! I am truly lucky to be a part of the Hydra big family. The members here are friendly, loving, sporting and unselfish! I would like to dedicate my two years of MVP awards to all Hydra members, as an icing to the cake in conjunction to lifting the IMU Cup 2014! They all deserved it! Hail Hydra! =))
With thank yous,
Yow Yuxiang
A loyal member of the Hydra family since 2011
Hail Hydra!
Flashback: Vicknesh Kandasamy
Vicknesh Kandasamy Gunasekaran, Taurus House Captain 2014
When I first joined IMU, I thought it was going to be all about books but then IMU surprised me. Never would I have thought that we would be having sport events the size of IMU Cup. I enjoyed this because I believe books are important but life isn’t all about it. At first I was nervous to take up the job as captain of Taurus but after going through IMU cup, it was all worth it. I have learned so many things. It has thought me how to interact with people, organise things, manage issues, balance time and of course work together with my amazing committee members. I believe IMU Cup is an event that promotes interaction with different batches. It’s nice to have friends from other courses and also from various batches. To all those that have not taken part in IMU Cup, DO NOT MISS OUT! Do join next year and you will be surprised. As captain I have overlooked most of the sports and I must say that I admire how some of the Taurus members have put in so much effort into practice. Therefore, I would like to make a shout out to all Taurus members out there who took part in IMU cup. Especially the sports captains – whether or not they won does not matter. The fact that they took part already shows that they are winners to us. I would also like to make a special shout out to the Taurus cheer team who have trained so hard every week. Just mentioning the amount of times they have practices in a week already makes me feel tired. It all paid off at the end. I would also like to thank my awesome committee members who worked equally as hard winning Taurus our third place overall this year.
To all those that have not taken part in IMU Cup, DO NOT MISS OUT! Do join next year and you will be surprised.
Flashback: Max Soon
Soon Chen Ying (Max), Griffin House Captain 2014
My experience as Griffin captain can be likened to a roller coaster ride – exhilarating yet knocks the breath out of you at times. It started out with very high aspirations not only to win, but to create a sense of belonging within each Griffin member, a bond between them. Every time I see a team come together and give their best, it brings great encouragement to me as a captain. Yet there are times where frustration throws you into a slow descend, like when people don’t cooperate during trainings, or when even sports reps don’t take initiative. I guess that’s what a team is like, not everyone has the same passion and you’ll just have to find a way to work around it. All in all it was a good experience. I learned a lot and have a lot of people in the team to thank for their continuous support. It was definitely a privilege to work with and for Griffin.
I learned a lot and have a lot of people in the team to thank for their continuous support. It was definitely a privilege to work with and for Griffin.
Flashback: Jimmy Khalaff
Jimmy Khalaff, Pegasus House Captain 2014
From the day I took up the position as captain of this house, I had no regrets. The success of what this sport house has achieved is due to the effort that everyone has put in for the past 8 months (since the committee was formed) leading to the events.
Of course, none of the achievements would have been accomplished without a dedicated and committed bunch that I am grateful to have. My vice captains, Yin Hoong Goh and Min Yen Lim – these two were probably Pegasus’s MVPs for the past two years. Our treasurer and cheerleading captain, Jowynna Yeo who did a wonderful job in building a cheer team that put on a great show during the event, not to mention the fundraisings she organized. Our secretery, Jonathan Francis, Pegasus’s very own ladies’ man J and very artistic and creative intelligence (have you seen our committee board? Yeap, those were his ideas) and our public relations officer, Kang Wan Jing who promoted Pegasus and was ever present in the sporting events.
It is good and encouraging that the nature of IMU Cup is becoming more and more competitive which signifies everyone’s enthusiasm in the sports. Certain events such as basketball,volleyball and cheerleading had a large crowd turnout, which was very motivating for the participants.
It is not everyday in IMU, that you have the opportunity to play sports at a competitive level with your colleagues, that is why everyone is and should be pumped up for this huge sporting event.
Pegasus has done an amazing job in this year’s IMU CUP securing a second place finish. Yes of course, we were left disappointed and slightly heartbroken that we did not claim the first spot, and we found it hard to lose by such a small point margin. However, we have to move on and accept what has been given and tell ourselves we have done our best, put in all the efforts we could, and be proud of our achievements.
What was more important was that we enjoyed ourselves, had a great bonding time with friends (which we don’t do very often in normal days in IMU), made new ones from other batches and courses, tried out in new things in life, and make ourselves healthy by playing the sports (which again IMU students don’t do very often!).
I would like to thank the whole Pegasus team for their big contribution for this year’s competition.
It is not everyday in IMU, that you have the opportunity to play sports at a competitive level with your colleagues, that is why everyone is and should be pumped up for this huge sporting event.
Flashback: Ng Yen Wing
Ng Yen Wing, Draco House Captain 2014
We started off with great hopes and expectations that the ‘Dragon’ would certainly be champions of 2014. We had a great Draco team and a dedicated committee to lead the charge to victory. Our goal was simple: to ensure a united Draco family and prepare them to be champions as we anticipate one of IMU’s biggest annual event. We knew it was a long and arduous road but we did our best to learn from the lessons of the previous year and made the appropriate planning and preparation.
As IMU Cup 2014 approached, so too were many unexpected challenges and conflicts that threaten to disintegrate and derail our plans. Schedule conflicts, injuries and other unforeseen circumstances made matters worse. Nonetheless, we learnt to be flexible and adapt to changes. Not everything was smooth-sailing, but together we managed to make the best out of everything. Everyone gave their best, and the energy and enthusiasm with each event was incredible! We learnt to put aside our differences and work towards a common goal, leaving no room for regret. Overall, we finished the year in 5th place. A humble finish, but not without much dedication and sacrifice from all our athletes! Our family is big, our potential limitless and we will only grow stronger! As we settle back into our university lives, let’s continue to savour success and learn from defeats; to welcome new friendships and to cherish memories that will last a lifetime. I believe these are the ultimate goals and ideals of Draco, IMU Cup and sport itself!
Not everything was smooth-sailing, but together we managed to make the best out of everything. Everyone gave their best, and the energy and enthusiasm with each event was incredible!
On a personal note, being a house captain is most certainly a formidable task. The challenges faced were more daunting and complex than anticipated, especially during the peak of IMU Cup itself. All the hardships and obstacles served to underline one’s flaws as well as the strength and mindset to correct them. At times, I did wrong and disappointed many, and I humbly apologise for all my mistakes and flaws. Nonetheless, I will forever be grateful to work with such an awesome Draco committee and to meet many dedicated athletes from all houses! Additionally, I am honoured to work together with other fellow house captains, as we come to respect and learn from each other. Last but not least are the dedicated organizers of IMU Cup 2014 who did a great job and ensured things ran as smooth as possible. Thank you all for such an awesome event and amazing experience! Until next time, cheers! GO DRACO!!!
Flashback: Charnice Chan
Charnice Chan, Phoenix House Captain 2014
It has been quite a different experience for me during this year’s IMU cup, definitely not the IMU cup I remembered last year. Nonetheless it was still good – having the opportunity to work with a wonderful committee, seeing the sport captains taking charge and leading their teammates, seeing new players who have no prior experience in the sports they participated taking up the challenge to do our house proud, truly it is a privilege.
The zeal shown by some of our Phoenix teammates, their effort and contribution is priceless to the team, every participant has made a difference for Phoenix during this IMU cup. Thank you fellow Phoenixians. Next year, we shall rise from the ashes stronger and better. PHOENIX IGNITE!
Thank you fellow Phoenixians. Next year, we shall rise from the ashes stronger and better. PHOENIX IGNITE!
Going For Gold With Ong Joo Yi
Ong Joo Yi, Taurus House Cheerleading Captain
Joo Yi is a chiropractic student in her sixth semester. She has led her squad to victory in the IMU Cup Cheerleading Competition – hands down the most beloved event in IMU. We met up with her to celebrate her victory
What’s the secret of success of your team?
The secret of winning this is a lot hard work, discipline, never give up and positive energy from each other.
How did your team start up? How was the recruitment process?
Many newbies came and showed their interest during tryouts – some knew by word of mouth, some by Facebook notice and some came with friends. But only a few made it through as we needed to limit our numbers. It wasn’t very tough recruiting because initially we had about ten seniors from last year’s team joining. Some strong friendship bonds were formed last year! Unfortunately, later on some of them couldn’t cope with studies, so we had to find replacements. Despite this, I’m glad to say that I had no trouble in forcing people into joining the Taurus cheer team – most of them are very disciplined.
Talk us through your training process.
We started our practice around the end of April. During the first two months, members came and went, so we were teaching the newbies the basics about cheerleading to give them a rough idea of what cheerleading is about. We started practicing the tougher skills that are to be included in the routine in mid-July.
We did a lot of strength training, stretching to improve our flexibility, jumps and stunts. Personally, I had a lot of hope in this year’s team! I thought we might have a change to win this if we worked hard and started early. I conveyed the message to every member of the team – that we are aiming for something big this year. I am so glad that they have been with me throughout this whole journey. We finally made it!
I am so glad that [the team] have been with me throughout this whole journey.
Tell us about the happiest and saddest moments of your team.
After being together for 6 months, the happiest moment is that we are able to meet each other through cheerleading, and the friendship bonds formed through this are unbreakable. Learning to put your lives into others’ hands and being able to trust them are some of the most precious things that we gained throughout this whole journey. The happiest moments are definitely when we could hit perfect stunts and master new skills. Everyone is so happy to learn and they are very open minded towards suggestions.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank for your success? What advice would you like to give to those anyone who might be interested in cheerleading?
There are many people that we would like to thank for making this dream come true. We have very dedicated coaches who are very motivating – always encouraging us to try new things even when we want to give up.
I would like to advise those who are shy but interested to be brave and give yourself a chance to experience this journey yourself! It is very fun to be able to know people from different courses. From being strangers on day one, to being inseparable best friends after 6 months of training. Not only that, when you achieve something in cheer leading, the feeling is beyond amazing, you will be proud of your achievements. Never try, never know. So I would advise those who are interested in cheer, to step out of your comfort zone, to give yourself a chance to be a part of this family.
Be brave and give yourself a chance to experience this journey yourself!
7 NOV 2014 – IMU Cup Closing Ceremony
Every beginning has an ending
IMU Cup 2014 has finally come to an end. The annual, much anticipated event of IMU has definitely showcased some of the best sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork among all 6 sport houses. It has been a gruelling, hectic month for each and every one of us who have shed blood, tears and sweat, just to taste the sweetness of victory.
The closing ceremony of IMU Cup was held in the Atrium. It was a glitzy highlight of IMU Cup with the final event, cheerleading. This is the only event where everyone gathered to support their cheerleading teams and scream their lungs out, literally! The ceremony started at about 7 pm with a dance performance and needless to say, the dancers brought the house down with their sexy moves. Phoenix and Pegasus were the first two teams to perform and both executed their routine quite impressively with minor glitches in stunts. Team Taurus was the crowd favourite and the screams were never ending as they took to the mat. Their tumbles, choreography and stunts were on cue, but the best was their ending pyramid which was unlike any other. Draco performed next and before starting, they engaged the crowd to chant along with them. They were the last year’s champion and it was definitely exciting to watch this team executing their almost flawless, clean routine. Hydra showcased great showmanship and their props were great accompaniments to their routine. Griffin was the final team to perform for the night and of course, they tried their best and performed well.
The ceremony proceeded with gold medals presentation to the respective winners of the sports events during the entire IMU Cup. During that time, the judges for the cheerleading event were having their discussions and tabulating the scores for all the teams which had performed. The moment everyone was waiting for has finally arrived with the announcement of the results. Taurus was crowned the champion with Draco as the first runner up and Hydra taking the second runner up. The overall IMU Cup champion was Hydra and there were screams and tears of joys from all the Hydra members. It was a fun-filled night with a rollercoaster of emotions filling every soul who was there to witness the ceremony. See you next year in IMU Cup 2015!
Check out JieCong’s Photography for more photos!
Hong Kah Wai (CH0113)
