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First Foray to Taiwan 1-7 Nov 2006

November 9, 2006

Day 1 : 1 Nov 06 (Wed)

At the hostel, we were warmly welcomed by our host, coach Chen. After a quick tour of the facilities at the Chung Hwa Telecom hostel, we were then ushered into our rooms. The rooms were a pleasant surprise! All rooms came with attached toliets and were well furnished. Two students shared a room.

Day 2 : 2 Nov 06 (Thu)

The morning began with some simple exercises for all the students gathered outside the hostel at 7am, followed by breakfast. I only enjoyed the buns and porridge:)

First session after breakfast – combined games for all sports. It was good as we had this only time to play together!

After lunch was our first match – Nan Shan Senior High School. Each of their players were at least 1.85m tall! They were disciplined and hospitable… and spotted the same crew cut!

We were told after a tour of the impressive 9-storey school building that we were the first to use their newly built sports hall!

The gulf in standard was apparent from the warm-up. Oup opponents were not only bigger in size, they were more skilful and experienced. We trailed from the first basket and never recoverer. In the end, we were soundly thrashed by 40+ points but the score did not matter. We had seen for ourselves what a higher standard of basketball ought to be – an overall team effort!

Most impressive was their training straight after the match. They went through some gruelling routines while our players, suffering from cramps, did their warm downs. Our players could only watch in silent wonder at the fitness of their team.

During their dinner reception, they were polite, friendly and did not display any airs of superiority. Chester remarked later that this was one thing he was impressed – to maintain sincerity when dealing with others and staying humble despite good achievements.

Day 3 : 3 Nov 06 (Fri)

Left for Ji Long where we are having a 4 sided competition at Zheng Ping Junior High School. A very nice school situated at the top of a hill with spectacular views. I’m sure the students would be very distracted every day during class!

My first impressions of the teams were their height and quickness. They pass the ball quickly without much dribbling. Though they may not be very tall, they are hardworking and never give up as a team.

The school welcomed us in an official ceremony, and I had to make a speech in Mandarin!

Our first match against Zi Qiang Junior High School was hard fought due to their aggressiveness. They never gave up despite their height disadvantage. In the end, we won 91-60, but the score belied the closeness of the game.

Our next match against Xin Yi Junior High School, a team of 14 year olds. We also won the match but they gave it their all.

Soon it was time to make the long way back to the hostel. The trip took 1 and half hours but we managed to be back in time for dinner.

Day 4 : 4 Nov 06 (Sat)

Final day of 4-sided competition. We played the host Zheng Bing Junior High. They were the best team, but we still managed to win the game to clinch the overall title.

Time for some R and R. Stopped at Taipei 101 for a look before going back to the night market at Ban Chiau.

We also stopped over at Yu Long basketball centre for a look at their training and facilities.

Day 5 :  5 Nov 06 (Sun)

Fun day! Went to Jiu Fen for the morning and bought a lot of foodstuff.

Afternoon was Yu Ren Harbour at Dan Shui.

Evening was shopping at Shi Lin Night Market  followed by dinner.

Day 6 : 6 Nov 06 (Mon)

The final day saw some training in the morning before going to play a friendly game with a girls team.

The boys were really shy playing a girls team. Then on the other hand, the girls were seen whispering and combing their hair before the game!

Day 7 : 7 Nov 06 (Tue)

Finally time to leave Taiwan! We left the hostel at 4am early to catch the flight back to Singapore.

 

Written by Ian Chew · Filed Under memory lane | Leave a Comment