to the team i love the most:

I guess today was a day all of us will never forget. Somehow it seemed to affect alot of people and it really hit me hard too. What happened on land and in the water was something that seemed to have happened before, but i guess many of us never really felt the full impact of it till now. But after what sze and suling has said, i guess i don't really have much else to add on already. Just a little bit more.

The past year spent with the team has been one of the most fulfilling journey's i've ever experienced. There have been highs and lows, pain and joy. Put simply, an emotional rollercoaster. But i enjoyed it nonetheless. And now we only have about 3 months left to national schools. Our time left as a team in NJ is running out. But we have to make the best of it. Rowing with all of you has been the most enjoyable and inspiring experiences in my life. It just seems that out on the water, when the whole team is there, rowing together was just an unforgettable experience. Especially during dragonboat races when all of us are pulling together as one.

But this is what we really have to remember. No matter how much emphasis is being place on securing the points for the nat schools title. The most important thing is that we all row for one another and that everyone of us is supporting one another all the way. The most important thing is that we are still one team. We may be individuals in different boats. But it's really like a dragonboat. In your own craft, its not just you or the two of you there. There are 70 people on the boat. Pulling alongside you. When you feel that you just want to give up, be it in training or during a race, just remember that no one is going to give up on you, so there is no reason to give up on yourself. 70 people will be there by your side. Remember, we row together as one team. We must never forget our roots. The values we were first taught by our seniors. The selflessness, the correct attitude that was being ingrained in us. There should be no individualism in the team. Only if you row for others, will you find that you are able to go so much further.

I know everyone in the team is giving their best right now. So like vic said today, its really the effort that counts the most. When everyone gives their best, there will no longer be disparities. Look at effort, not at the speed at which your boat can go at. Maybe if all of us just forget about the expectations for awhile, get back the feeling of pulling for the love of the team and the sport itself. Just to enjoy the pure ecstasy you get when you're in the water and there is nothing else troubling you. The pure joy of seeing your teammates pushing their limits and knowing that everyone is on par in terms of effort. That's what really matters i guess.

To my partner bernie and other 3 k2 boats, although we may not always be training together. And its usually bernie and me with jas and char, you're still part of my craft. And the very fact that you are my craftmates mean alot to me. Please remember to pull for one another and help each other along. Thats the most important thing now. We really have to train together and make sure no one gets left behind. I'm sorry if i'm not always able to help you when we are rowing in the water. But don't ever give up on yourselves. I know your desire to improve will surpass all the barriers and obstacles in your path. If you can't do it for yourselves, at least do it for your partner. They are the ones who share your pain, tears and joy in the boat. To jas and char, thanks for being great training partners. Your boat really motivates me to work harder. Promise we will work together and give our best in every training ok? And to bernie, i'm sorry if i haven't been good enough. I promise i will definitely give my best and i treasure every training we have together as it is a chance for us to work on our weaknesses. Please bear with me and thanks for putting up with me for so long.

Ok i guess this is all i have to say for now. I love all of you very much. You're the ones that make my stay in the team worthwhile. Thank you. Stick together. One team. One dream.

sabu