Everyone was a winner at the NTU Alumni Sports Fiesta on 29 March, where participants showed friendship, sportsmanship and great enthusiasm.

The NTU Alumni Sports Fiesta 2008 was just as wonderful as you would expect. The weather was perfect and spirits were high. 4x100m relay run, badminton, 3-on-3 basketball, 5-a-side soccer, table tennis and tennis were among the sports available to the participants that morning. Attracting more than 300 players, the sports extravaganza turned the NTU Sports and Recreation Centre into a hub of activity.

After a warm welcome by Mr Soon Min Yam, Director of the NTU Alumni Affairs Office, attendees witnessed a thrilling performance by NTU students from the ACES junior cheerleading team, which clinched the third spot at the Cheerobics 2008 National Cheerleading Competition. In great spirits, everyone enjoyed an exciting 4x100m relay run then moved full steam ahead into a full morning of sports and games.

Although the Sports Fiesta was a competitive event, with cash prizes to be won, one would never suspect the players were neck and neck in battle. With the exchange of jokes and laughter, they looked as if they had known each other for years.

In many cases, they actually have. Mr Tay Teck Jin (Geography / 1976) says, "It's just fantastic to meet up with old friends and former classmates. I feel great!"

For many others, the sports gala brought back happy memories.

Alumnus Nelson Yeo (EEE / 1986), a participant in the men's doubles badminton event, says, "In 1985, we had a team and used to represent NTI in tournaments. This event is really good; in fact this is the third time I am attending the Sports Fiesta. I enjoy coming back as I get to meet old friends. We may not meet each other often, but once we return to the court, we play and we become familiar again."

Then there's our international alumni, some of whom banded together to form teams. One such was the all-Indonesian soccer team named "Bujang" which means "bachelors" in English. Speaking on behalf of his team mates was team leader Yohanest Chandra (MAE / 2007). "We came because we want to contribute to NTU. We all know how much the University has done for us, for our future," Yohanest says. "Of course, we also want to enjoy the weekend, watch fellow alumni play and just have fun!"

© Alumni Affairs Office