Our team recently had the honour of attending Taiwan's National Middle Schools Championship. With 12 athletes and 3 coaches, this marked the first major international experience for many of our participants—a milestone filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable memories.
First of all, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to EIN Foundation for sponsoring the team's race kit, which included an Adidas track top, two T-shirts, a backpack, and a running vest. Your support made it possible for us to travel comfortably and represent ourselves proudly on an international stage. Thank you for your constant encouragement!
Exploring Taiwan: From Taipei 101 to Shilin Night Market
Our adventure began with sightseeing in the vibrant city of Taipei. The team visited the iconic Taipei 101, finding the best spots to take photos. This was our attempt to capture the building in our group photos—a fun challenge in itself! We then continued to explore the Shilin Night Market, where the athletes enjoyed local foods and shopping for souvenirs. Despite the convenience of Taiwan’s transportation system, the amount of walking left us all feeling exhausted. By the time we arrived at our hotel, everyone was ready to rest for the big days ahead.
Competition Highlights: Personal Bests and Lessons Learned
The championship was hosted over several days, with our team staying at the comfortable Howard Prince Hotel. On the track and field, our athletes gave their all, achieving three personal bests and two season bests. Beyond their results, the competition provided invaluable learning opportunities. Observing competitors from other countries, our athletes picked up techniques and routines to enhance their preparation and performance.
We also couldn’t help but notice how physically impressive the Taiwanese athletes were. Their U15 athletes seemed to match the size of our U18 athletes back in Malaysia—a humorous yet humbling observation for our team.
One of the best souvenirs to bring home was exchanging Kawan Athletics shirts with our new friends from Taiwan. It was such a fun and lighthearted moment seeing some of our athletes, who couldn’t speak Mandarin, turn to the team’s "Mandarin expert" for help. After a quick 15-minute lesson on key phrases, they eagerly went around the stadium asking the Taiwanese athletes if they wanted to exchange shirts.
Connecting and Growing: Beyond the Field
When they weren’t competing, the athletes enjoyed the hotel’s five-star dining experience. The buffet and course meals featured generous portions and thoughtful touches that made us feel incredibly welcomed and happy. Meanwhile, the coaches took the opportunity to connect with other coaches from Taiwan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and beyond, building friendships and learning from each other.
Cultural Immersion: Souvenirs, Theme Parks, and Reflection
After the Competition, the team explored Taiwan's cultural and recreational gems. A visit to Feng Jia Night Market allowed the athletes to pick out souvenirs for loved ones. The trip concluded with a wonderful day at Leofoo Village Theme Park. The roller coasters proved to be a hit, even Coach KJ couldn’t resist joining in the fun!
Our final evening was spent at the cozy Little Brick House. There, we reflected on the week, shared stories, and celebrated the growth we had experienced both individually and as a team. It was the perfect way to close a journey that blended hard work, learning, and joy.
Reflection Night: Lessons Beyond the Track
The trip wasn’t just about external experiences; it also fostered internal growth among our athletes. On our final night, we held a reflection session. While it may have felt like a "nagging session" from the coaches on what we could have done better, it was also a session where we took the time to praise those who performed well and demonstrated the right attitude. Overall, it became a valuable moment for everyone to reflect on their preparation and the trip as a whole.
Some athletes realised how much they had been relying on their parents for everyday tasks. Parents, if you’re reading this, we encourage you to give your children responsibilities and allow them to experience setbacks. Let them pack their own bags, make mistakes, and learn from them. This is how growth happens.
Others acknowledged the importance of preparation. Some had arrived unprepared due to exams, school trips, or illness. We emphasized the need for balance: balancing academics and sports, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough rest. These habits not only help athletes stay consistent with their training but also boost their immune systems, ensuring they can perform at their best.
With proper planning, athletes can sustain their training even during busy periods. Training for just 6 hours a week—a small fraction of the 168 hours in a week—is achievable with discipline and focus. Effective management and planning can also instill confidence in parents, allowing them to trust that their children can handle both academic and athletic responsibilities during exam periods.
Your actions shape your journey in life. If you want your parents to trust you with greater responsibilities, start by demonstrating that you can handle simple tasks at home—whether it’s washing dishes, waking up on time, or managing your own laundry. Show them that you are dependable and capable, giving them confidence in your ability to take care of yourself. If you want to grow up, carry your own bags when your mom offers to hold them for you. Better yet, take the initiative to help her instead.
Finally, we realised how easy it is for young athletes to lose sight of their purpose amidst the excitement of travel and new experiences in Taiwan. As coaches, we discovered the importance of consistently reminding our athletes about their goals, while athletes must take ownership of their goals and responsibilities
A Journey to Remember
The Taiwan National Middle School Championship was more than just a competition; it was an experience that expanded our horizons. New friendships bloomed across the globe, some of us picked up simple Mandarin phrases, and many discovered a renewed sense of purpose in their running journey. Being invited to this event was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it left a lasting impression on every participant, inspiring us to aim higher and dream bigger.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent our team on an international stage and look forward to many more such experiences in the future.
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