CYG 2011 : Cultural day and visit to Rushen Primary School

Today 12th September is the Cultural Day of the 4th Commonwealth Youth Games at Castletown, the historical capital of the Isle of Man which is to the South-west of Douglas. We were transported there by a traditional stream train of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Stream Railway is the Island’s oldest Victorian rail system.

The Cultural Day is an interactive day which included activities for competitors to participate. It would be held at Castle Rushen, one of the best preserved castles in th British Isle. Due to the cold and windy conditions, the Cultural program was shortened and it was held just within the Castle Rushen.

After lunch, we proceeded to Rushen Primary School. This school is the adopted school of Malaysia of the CYG “Adopt a Nation” program, and the students have been studying all about Malaysia for the last three years.

We were met by Headteacher, Mr Tom Thomson, his staff and pupils of the school. There was an exhibition that the students had prepared on the history, culture and economy of Malaysia. Students who prepared the various exhibits were on hand to explain on the exhibits.

HRH Tunku Imran, Tan Sri Dr Jegathesan were also present. We were shown all the exhibits that have been put up by the pupils and we then assembled in the school hall with all the 250 pupils.

Tunku Imran and Tan Sri Dr Jegathesan presented souvenirs to school, while Encik Rosmaizam received a book on the Isle of Man from the Headteacher.

The closing ceremony will be held at the Villa Marina, Douglas at the evening, where a short formal ceremony will be held to close and also to have a official handing ceremony to Samoa, the host of the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015.

The athletes, officials and volunteers will then adjourned to the Villa Marina Royal Hall for a party and we also witness a fireworks display.

Report by Chua Hong Tam, Douglas, Isle of Man