Olympic adventures in Pahang continue into the night...!

Nightfall of the first full day in Pahang witnessed the Apollo group take a hike through the Jungle in the dark. The students were gathered together and told to hand in their torches - light and sight were relinquished, they were to be relying on their other senses to make their way along the forest path! This experience gave them a unique opportunity to experience the jungle as an Orang Asli or even a Tiger of old.

Many of Apollo's apprentices were aprehensive at first and were well aware of the challenge that lay ahead of them - however the God Apollo must have been extremely pleased with his assembled groups effort, as they all came through the challenge with flying colours. Some students told me that they had never experienced the forest that way and they had never imagined it could be so loud!

Day II of Olympic Pahang Adventure

APOLLO

The dawn of Day 2 saw the Higher group eagerly assembling in preparation for the day's activities. After a hearty breakfast and warm up exercises, they conducted an equipment check.

The four groups were divided into three and set out on to face the mornings tasks. The abseilers were given a safety tutorial and shown how to correctly descend a steep cliff.

Great fun was had and after all the students had attempted the 30 metre cliff they were last seen hurrying towards the second, 'taller' cliff for more exciting descents.

Another sub group of Apollo spent the morning climbing a stand alone limestone escarpment. The climb is both physically and mentally challenging rising to 12 -15 metres.

Two Apollo students were climbing the face at the same time and there was a great sense of Olympic Spirit. The students waiting on the ground were shouting calls of encouragement for the climbers to persevere and not give up, giving vital assistance on where to put feet and hands.

The last bunch of Apollos apprentices were last observed prepping their equipment and getting ready for an extensive hike through the jungle to the Kota Gelanggi caves.

HERMES

As the day moved on we caught up with the Second group of Hermes contenders at Jeram Besu just as they finished their lunches. They were heading out to either take a raft ride down the rapids or cross the river twice using a flying fox and then swimming back across using a guide line in the water. It was clear to all that great enjoyment had taken place during the morning excercises and there was great excitement regarding the afternoons activities.

I visited the flying fox group first who were a mixture of wet (abandonment) and dry (apprehension) as the groups were split where half the group had already had one go and the other half were awaiting their first turn. The merriment at the base of the flying fox stand was only interrupted by ear piercing screams of exhilaration as another student flew across the wide river.

To get back across from the other side of the river students had to cross the river using a guide water that led them through the base of rapids. As the students touched back on dry land talk was of strong currents and the need to hold onto the rope tightly.

Whilst the flying foxes were flying the other group were being given their water competence briefing.

After the initiation was complete I witnessed the Hermes pupils take to the water in their rafts and hurtle there way past where I stood on the bank.

When I caught up with them later they were a bundle of thumbs up and smiles in soaking wet clothes, it was clear a great time had been had.

Day One of our Adventure Begins

Quotes from our budding Olympians

Stronger 18.01.10

"Stronger #1 Rocks..!"

"I feel like a million bucks"

"It ain't that bad..!"

"We suddenly love our mothers cooking..!"

"I want my bed."

"Eww! Oh my God! No Way! Get out!"

Bringing Olympia to You

So, the day of our Pahang adventure has arrived and it's time to head north into Malaysia and answer the call of the three Olympian Gods!!

320 intrepid students and 24 excited teachers left Temasek Secondary School at 7.30 this morning.





The convoy headed west out of Singapore and had a very smooth border crossing into Malaysia, transferring onto the ready and waiting buses. The convoy then continued on to lunch at the VIP Hotel where we gorged on a tasty buffet.


After lunch friends said their final goodbye to each other and climbed back aboard their own buses departing to their separate locations.

Hermes, Apollo and Athena were happy to observe all the groups arrive in good time and begin setting up their various camp sites and tent villages.
















The Apollo crew are really well, adapting to their 'cavernous' new home. They were last seen this evening with their bellies full of chicken curry and settling down for the night ready for tomorrows hectic schedule of rock climbing, caving and jungle trekking.




The Stronger troop were also on fine form having set up camp on the banks of the River Pahang and settling down to a tasty dinner of chicken and rice. As we moved through the camp this evening talk was rife of the adventures that lay ahead of them as they left true civilisation early tomorrow morning and boat down the river to set up camp deep within the jungle.



Lastly I am pleased to report that the Hermes horde are also on cracking form having set up their respective camps and eaten a heartily.








Although a light rain had begun to shower the campers sleeping on the bank of the River it had no impact on dampening their spirit ready for their 52km bicycle challenge tomorrow.

Arise, students of Apollo! (Higher Group)

This is a notice for all students of Apollo .

The time has arrived for you to travel to Pahang, Malaysia and compete in several trials to test your physical & mental resilience - will you "rise" to the challenge?

Apollo is the God of the Sun & Sky and will accept no half measures. He has formulated 4 challenges for you to complete.

Preparation is key in order for you to succeed and complete the Olympic God's "higher" challenges. It is vital that you bring with you the necessary equipment so that you are allowed to participate in all the tasks.

This is what awaits you followers of Apollo:

Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Jungle Trekking & Cave Exploration
Day 3 : Abseiling & Rock Climbing
Day 4 : Flying Fox & River Crossing & Water Rafting
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Please ensure you bring with you long pants and head torches. Both are vital tools for the Caving Arena (refer to provided packing list). Other tools in your arsenal MUST include: a steely nerve, determination, the ability for humour and the ability to support friends.

Apollo looks forward to welcoming you to the Higher Arena.

Athena Awaits! (Stronger Group)

Dear Stronger participants,

I would like to welcome you on behalf of Athena, the Goddess of War, Heroic endeavour and Wisdom. The stronger Olympia Arena is ready and awaiting your arrival.

Your journey has been mapped out as follows:

Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Orang Asli Experience & Jungle Survival
Day 3 : Trekking Expedition
Day 4 : 4x4 & Waterfall
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Your endurance, mental attitude, team spirit and wisdom shall be tested upon your arrival. You will relinquish to all comforts and leave as one with the wilderness. You will build suitable shelters for you and your team. You will acquire and conserve water and food which is scarce.

Team Challenges

You and your team will challenge other teams in shelter building, fire making, hunting and hiking competitions.

Individual Challenges

Only the top 20 most fit and enduring participants will be selected to take part in the ultimate summit challenge.

Be Ready Be Prepared

The first rule of jungle survival is preparation. It is essential that you bring the following equipment without which, you may be disqualified from the competitions.

For trekking:
(1) Shoes and socks
(2) Long pants
(3) Small haversack

For Night Activity:
(1) Torch light and spare batteries
(2) Insect repellent (optional)
(3) Sleeping bag to keep warm at night (optional)


By order,
Commander in chief of the Athenian Army

NB
Please note that the schedule has slightly changed from the original agenda posted above.
The Athenian Army will still travel into the jungle and set up their own camp. During the first day they will be shown and learn essential jungle survival skills such as dart making for blow pipes and fire lighting... The students will then be given the chance to truly hone their survival skills the following day by using the new acquired skills learnt independently within their groups.

Reminders to all Hermes (Faster Group)

This is what awaits you at Pahang

Hermes 1
Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : 52km cycling expedition
Day 3 : Flying fox & river crossin & water rafting
Day 4 : Ear cave exploration
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Hermes 2
Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Flying fox & river crossing & water rafting
Day 3 : 52km cycling expedition
Day 4 : Canopy Walk / Teresik Hill trekking
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

>You are reminded to bring the following items:

Compulsory items

1. Personal Head lamps/Torch lights
2. A pair of shoes suitable for jungle trekking

Do refer to the list of items given and ensure that all other essential items are brought along.

By order,
Commanders of Hermes I & II

Legionnaires of Hermes...

Soldiers of Hermes I and II...

As your commanders, we hereby summon one and all to the Battle of the Faster Arena!

Now hear this: Is each and everyone of you physically and mentally ready for the battle ahead?

My dear soldiers, always be strong in heart, bold/resolute in courage and above all, undaunted in spirits! Together, we will conquer all odds and emerge victorious!

Viva la Hermes!!