Football World - Interact Club of Selayang Bharu’s International Understanding Day

The Interact Club of SMK Selayang Bharu held their 26th Annual International Understanding (IU) Day on Saturday 5 July 2008 at Hotel Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. The event was also the platform for the Installation ceremony for the incoming President and Board for 2008-2009.

Themed “Football World”, the event was well attended by several Interact Clubs. President Peter Pek was the Guest of Honour, and Immediate Past President Ridzuan Yang, Interact Advisors Past Presidents Chandran Nair and Wan Mokhtar were also there to represent the Club. The event was also attended by the school’s Principal, Puan Noraini Lasim; Teacher Advisors Ms Anne Alexender and Ms Malathi; President William Kim of the Rotaract Club of Gombak, and Rotaractors.

The Opening Ceremony included a roll-call of Interact Clubs present followed by a presentation of souvenirs. Some of the highlights of the event included a fashion show, where Interactors came on stage wearing the team jerseys of different famous national and club teams from around the world. When all the fashion “models” were presented, the MC then introduced all these models standing on stage as the incoming Board for the new year. The MC introduced each team member and their Interact position for the year, and then the person would take a bow, and walk off the stage. This continued until the last person left standing - the new President of the Club! What a nice and refreshing change from how Installation ceremonies are normally done.

Another highlight was a slide-show presentation which showcased how football brings the world together. This included a segment on how UNICEF uses football as a tool to take children off streets, keep them away from drugs, and lift their spirits by teaching them how to work as a team. Football can help change a person’s perception of life and the world. You can watch the UNICEF/FIFA videos here.

Some of the other highlights include music and dance presentations and also a few games involving football.

All in all, this was a fantastic IU Day. Congratulations to Immediate Past President Athi Seshan and incoming President Sree Dharan and the organising team for a job well done. Congratulations must also go to the new Board. The entire event was well thought out, was packed with fun and interesting activities, and was full of meaning. Everyone who was present had a great time and at the end, left understanding a lot more about how football can unite people from around the world and bring about world understanding. Bravo Selayang Bharu!