In an often-divided world, sport is a unique and important connective tissue that binds people together, both across and within societies. As we think about the forums that unites us as people regardless of backgrounds and beliefs, the Rotaract movement cannot be forgotten! Which is why I believe that Sports in Rotaract is one of the best ways to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship.
Taking that on board, I had the privilege of taking part at the 6th Annual Rotaract Champions League, better known as RCL, a three-day Inter-Rotaract Club Sporting Extravaganza where different clubs compete in the arena of sports, held over the 11th, 18th and 19th of January 2020. This most awaited sports encounter comprised of various sports and board games such as Cricket, Tag Rugby, Futsal, Badminton, Tug of War, Table Tennis, Basketball, Athletics, Chess & Carom.
This being my first RCL, the experience and fun I had was of no difference to what every other Rotaractor present, was able to experience. Nevertheless, what made it special was the team I was part of – the club I was representing! Kudos to our president and the leadership group for bringing us all together and inculcating the passion and hunger to win in every one of us! Which, I know for a fact, is never an easy task.
Pre-RCL
Being a sports buff, I was excited when I was told about RCL. But all I expected was just one practice session for all sports, perhaps a week before the event. However, to my surprise, everything started off 3 months prior to RCL. After very careful planning we were allocated into different sports and teams. WhatsApp group discussions helped us coordinate practice sessions and other information. I was overwhelmed by the commitment and dedication of my team mates, which often inspired me to do better.
Day 01- Athletics |Track & Field
Every productivity book on the planet from David Allen to Benjamin Franklin, tells you more or less the same thing: wake up before the sun. Well, screw that! We all hate mornings. But passion together with a goal and a vision, makes you do the impossible. You can’t prove me wrong on that! Amazingly enough, it drove us all to the University of Colombo Grounds at 6.00 AM, just so that we could be there before the registrations closed. RCL 2020 kicked off with a very brief Opening Ceremony followed by the 1500M event and then the other events subsequently. As the day progressed, one would have expected our energy levels to drop, especially with the sun doing its thing extraordinarily well that day, but then some insatiable inner demon perhaps was the impelling cause for our squad to remain super dynamic throughout the day. Conceivably, that is why we went on to win two medals that day-Silver for Tug of War and Bronze for 4x100M men. Being the anchor of the Tug of war team felt like I spent two hours straight up in a rugby match, but it was equally fun. Just Saying…
Day 02- Indoor Sports
Day Two
didn’t demand the impossible from us i.e. to be there early in the morning,
however the Futsal Teams had to go to Peliyagoda for their tourney, and the
rest of us had our games at the Royal College Sports Complex. After loosing my
game of Chess, like an idiot in the second round, I joined the other members to
cheer and support our Badminton players, while the carrom and futsal teams kept
advancing through their tournament! To our disappointment, we lost Badminton in
the quarter finals and ended up 4th in the
carrom tournament-yet so close but so far. Nevertheless, Futsal Boys kept our
hopes alive! It didn’t surprise me, for the talent we got and the hard work the
team put in, we deserved a medal! You’d reckon, they won us the Bronze! Another
successful day, indeed!
Day 03- Outdoor Sports
Another exhilarating morning driven by passion, we all gathered at The University of Colombo Grounds at 6.30 AM! Cricket was my stage for the day, would’ve loved a bit of Tap Rugby too, but unfortunately, I was restricted to only one sport. With the first game giving us a win the super over, Cricket went really well for us until we lost the quarter finals, but I must say the boys fought really well, showing the spirit of true Rotaractors. Midtown Ballers, were tough-they were not ready to give up! That’s exactly why the quarter finals game, seemed like it’ll continue for an eternity! With the game going for extra time thrice until we lost by 2 points. Disappointing, but satisfying – some famous person once said “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”
We were not the club with the most talented set of sports personalities, neither we were the strongest. But what we had was GREAT leadership together with tremendous team spirit and a burning desire to win – a yearning to achieve our dream! Believe me or not, that is what got us to the “6th Place overall” –the best we’ve achieved so far and also undoubtedly recognized as the“Best Cheering Squad”for RCL 2020. It is also noteworthy that we were 33 points ahead of the last year championsand 17 points behind the team placed 5th! Besides that, we take pride in being the best community-based club overall! All this because of the passion we had in all of us, and the strength to not give up despite all the challenges that came our way.
By means of enhanced bonds and friendship, and true sportsmanship RCL 2020, came to close with the promise of an even better league next year. Rotaract Club of Colombo Midtown would like to congratulate all the participants and winners! We are all champions, aren’t we?
More Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2828381667240862&type=3
Rtr. Haaziq Fhuazi | Email: haaziq.hf@gmail.com
