THE first-ever Penang Tamil Schools Athletics Sports Carnival, involving a total of 28 Tamil schools, was successfully held over the last weekend.
It was jointly organised by the Tamil Schools Special Committee, Penang Tamil School Headmaster Council, and state Education Department.
State Housing and Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, the brainchild behind the event, said the carnival marks a historic moment for the Tamil schools, as it is the first of its kind held in the country.
Sundarajoo shared that the main objective of the carnival was to unite all the Tamil schools in Penang by creating a platform for students, teachers, and parents to come together, interact, and strengthen their relationships.
“This is a significant milestone, and it also stands as a proud achievement for the Tamil schools.
“We want to make this carnival an annual event in the years to come,” Sundarajoo said during his speech at the carnival’s opening ceremony on April 12.
Sundarajoo also expressed his ambition to organise a national-level athletics carnival, aiming to unite Tamil schools across Peninsular Malaysia.
Meanwhile, State Education Department deputy director (student development sector) Mohamad Said Ibrahim, said that sports helps develop discipline among the students.
“Sports shape character, promote unity, and the talents we produce here can be brought to the next level, including at the state level,” he added.
SJKT Permatang Tinggi emerged as the overall champion at the carnival, with a total of 13 gold, 7 silver, and 1 bronze medal, securing their place at the top of the medal tally.
In second place was SJKT Ladang Valdor, who earned 4 golds and 1 bronze. SJKT Perai followed closely in third, finishing with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal.
The event featured a range of track and field events, including sprints, relays, hurdles, long jump, high jump, and shot put.
Moments captured at the carnival:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Penang Tamil Schools Athletics Sports Carnival Organising Committee