On the 20th of January 2024, the LEO Club and Interact Club of Wesley Methodist School jointly co-organised the school’s Leo Interact Cross Country event. The event aimed to raise funds for Methodist Crisis Relief & Development (MCRD) and Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA). It took place in Taman Metropolitan Park Kepong, where students, teachers, parents, and alumni from the school participated in the charity run. 

After LEO and Interact members arrived at the venue early to set up the tents and stations, as well as conduct a final check, the event commenced at 7:30 a.m. Wesleyan students gathered at the assembly point, and their attendance was taken, while VIPs and a group of youth from MAKNA and MCRD arrived. Following that, the opening ceremony kicked off with a short morning prayer by teacher Ms. Cryzel Gan. Subsequently, the Principal of WMSKL(I), Mr. Wong Chee Kheon, delivered an inspiring speech to remind students about the importance of the struggle against cancer and formally officiated the event. A lively warm-up session was then led by the PE teachers and students of WMSKL(P) to fire up all participants for the run. 

At around 8:30 a.m., students from Year 7 to 9 were then flagged off, followed by parents, teachers, alumni, and finally, the Upper Secondary students. Students from Year 7 to 8, parents, teachers, and alumni were only required to run one round around the lake, which was approximately 3.7 km long. Students from Year 9 to Year 11, on the other hand, were challenged to run two full rounds, totalling 7.4 km.  

LEO and Interact members were on station duty, aided by PBSM members, ensured runners received an adequate supply of water as they ran and were also on watch for any medical accidents. Participants took the opportunity not only to test their fitness and compete for the elusive medals and trophies but also to appreciate the nature around them and forge stronger bonds with their peers. 

After two hours, the race concluded around 10:30 a.m. Subsequently, a brief prize-giving ceremony took place, during which medals and trophies were awarded to the first ten students, both male and female, from each year’s category who crossed the finishing line. Medals were also presented to the two fastest teachers, as well as to first two parents and alumni who successfully completed the race. Our guests of honour from MAKNA and MCRD were not forgotten; they received medals as a token of appreciation for participating in the event. 

At around 11:15 a.m., the event officially ended, and participants were allowed to return home. LEO and Interact members remained to clean up the venue, ensuring that the park was left just as it had been before we stepped foot on it. After that, a short photo-taking session was held, and they were promptly dismissed. 

All in all, this event was an incredible success as it encouraged participants to push their physical limits by testing their determination and perseverance with a long run. Students also collected a substantial sum of monetary donations to be channelled towards MCRD, helping them alleviate the plight of those affected by crises, disasters, and wars, and MAKNA, supporting their struggle against cancer in Malaysia. It was a powerful lesson for the almost 1,400 members of our schooling community that even though our individual contributions may seem insignificant, our combined efforts and collective action can make an incredible difference in our society.