Marching forth with pride

THE 21st Boys’ Brigade National Pesta and Convention took off on a great start with march-pasts and band performances at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) sports complex in Kampar.

With their chins up and chests out, the hundreds of boys and girls from various companies throughout the country and also neighbouring countries gave their best despite the scorching sun.

The opening of the event by former minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok last Saturday had marked the beginning of five days of good fun and togetherness for those who had arrived at the former tin mining town in Perak from as far as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Indonesian participant Rachel Ayu Putri Jauhari, 14, said she was most excited to meet new friends.

“This is the first time we are attending such a huge gathering.

“We do not have such a gathering back in Indonesia,” she said, adding that the Indonesian entourage was made up of 56 members from Malang and Jakarta.

Hana Disa Prabandari, also 14, said they would be in Malaysia for a total of seven days.

“We are already missing home but this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

“We will also get the chance to spend some time in Kuala Lumpur after the Pesta,” she said.

Sixteen-year-old Jordan Ajeng of the 1st Kuching Company said it was an experience of a lifetime to be at the event.

“It is an honour and privilege to be able to take part in the Pesta as not everyone gets to attend,” he said.

Jordan’s mate, Bradley Chan, said one had to be a senior in order to attend the Pesta.

“From what we heard from our seniors who attended the event previously, it is going to be a really fun outing with lots of activities, including song and dance,” Bradley said.

For Vincent Lee of the 1st Sarikei Company, the Pesta was also his first trip to Peninsular Malaysia.

“My friends and I spent three days in Kuala Lumpur before arriving in Kampar. It’s been really exciting so far.

“And I’m hoping to meet more people at the Pesta,” said the 14-year-old.

Themed “Dream High” to encourage all members to dare realise their dreams through active participation and moving forward in the Boys’ Brigade, this year’s event would be held at various locations in Kampar, including Utar, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College and Westlake International School.

The event would also include a city tour of Kampar and Ipoh.