SSG Daniel Joseph - Experience on SEA Games Team Nila

I helped out in the SEA Games as a workforce volunteer through HQ NCC, which got the help of several other cadets from various districts and secondary schools. I was the only one from my unit who had this opportunity.

I was given a choice to select the duty which I wanted to do. There was Athlete Chaperon, and the Victory Ceremonial Team consisting of Athlete Escort, Flag Bearer, Medal Escort Bearer and Presenter Escort. I chose Athlete Escort, as it was a not so demanding job. But it does not mean you will get what you selected. So, I got the job of a flag bearer. I wasn’t quite happy with it at first. I heard that during the last SEA Games that Singapore hosted, Flag Bearer was one of the most wanted jobs! I went for my first Flag Bearer at HQ NCC. I felt that it wasn’t that bad after all. But there were many things you had to take note of. For example, you must not let the flag touch the floor at all costs!

I was assigned to a team with 4 other cadets, also Flag Bearers, from Peicai and Bartley Secondary School at first. I made friend with them, I was supposed to be with them doing the Flag Bearer duties at Bishan Sports Hall, which was near where I live. Few weeks before the SEA Games started and all of us received emails. I was shocked, I was posted to Sentosa Golf Club, which hosted golf and Marina Channel, which hosted canoeing and rowing. I had had to wake up early and leave the house at 6 in the morning. That would not be the case if was posted to Bishan Sports Hall instead.

At my first shift at Marina Channel, I came to know cadets from the Nan Chiau High School and Westwood Secondary School. I got to know them and soon became friend with them. We worked together as a team to carry out our Flag Bearer duties. From Nan Chiau High, Eddy Ng and Gordon. From Westwood, Khairul, Jonathan, Donovan, Afiq and Rizaldi. Each time we did a victory ceremony we would try to improve and make the next one better. I learnt a lot of other things form them. These guys were really awesome and I hope we get to meet again along the way through our NCC career.

Being part of Team Nila was a very special experience.

You would have to wait for at least 10 or more years for this golden opportunity to come by again in Singapore!

Furthermore this SEA Games is hosted in celebration of SG50.

CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY!

SSG Daniel Joseph (3/2)