Just some things to munch on.

hey guys,

Thanks weeki for your very personal statement, really appreciate it.

My general sentiment of the team at this point in time is one of apathy, perhaps lethargy. Just as muddy was saying:" i really don't feel that hunger in the team to achieve something, to regain past glory."

Perhaps, this is a result of disruption to our training schedules due to the unfortunate advent of H1N1, but that has since passed and now its time to pick up our pace, slowly but surely.

Perhaps, i have not done my job adequately well as a captain to motivate you guys to train hard, to make sure you actually train and do your stuff, to constantly babysit and keep a watchful eye. Ultimately, my policy is simple. I believe that as fellow 17 year olds, you guys are mature enough to think for yourselves,to know what you want out of your tenure as a rafflesian rower. if you think that you have other priorites which trump your responsibility to the team, then go ahead - for i am in no position to influence your personal decision. I beleive you guys to be capable of exercising the autonomy given to you responsibly - to train when you must train, because you want to train.

Being a canoeist is tough. This is knowledge common not just among canoeists, but among the general school population. We make many sacrifices - not being able to join O'team, participate in other activites etc. I guess this is the time you start asking youselves whether this is all worth it? Why should i give so much into this? what if it all fails? Am i just wasting my time here? To this, i pose you another of my guiding principles: whatever you do, even if you have done it a million times over, either give it your all, or just quit - because if you don't, you're just wasting your time.

I believe that each and everyone of you had a goal in mind before entering canoeing. Perhaps, for some of you, this was a very hasty, superfical one (i.e. for the gratification of getting a hot bod?). Regardless, I hope that you realize by now, that being a canoeist is really much more than just that - the hardwork, friendships, the attitudes that you put in really account for so much more. So what if you have a hotbod after this two years? So what if we win medals? Could we not have acheived this without joining the team at all?

Thus, at this point in time, i urge each and everyone of you to cherish your teammates and the time spent together during our tenure as canoeists. Please re-evalute your goals and agendas, cling on to something more substantial, something which you are actually vying for, something that will push you on through those tough times. Medals, bods,these things are but a passsing, but the friendships forged here, they are lasting.

On this note, i would also like to appeal to you guys to be supportive and understanding.'Honestly, it's not easy being a land coach, planning trainings and stuff, making sure everyone does them properly, checking on your academic progress to ensure that no one gets retained and at the same time, yea just making sure this all works out. I cannot, do this alone and i appeal for the cooperation from you guys so that we can make this all happen, make it all work - as a team.

I apologize for times when i may have been naggy and an irritant. Time and again, i have constantly reminded you guys about punctuality and basic team responsibility, accountability. Please do not take the punishments or scoldings to heart and realize that everything that i ever do is for the benefit of the team. Discipline and character is part of this whole process and something which i believe batches of canoiests pride themselves for. If we have the discipline to train, perhaps to over-train at times, how then can we forsake the basic dicipline of punctuality?

Please bring back the passion that we had when we were at the nats, that same excitement, that same will to wanna prove the other schools wrong- that we're not just some unworthy opponent comprising unexperienced noob shits, to prove RIJC wrong - that we're not just some bottom sport not worthy of DSAs. Prove yourselves wrong - that when you thought u couldnt, you did it.

Trainings hasnt really been the same without a team. By saying that i mean that training after training i only see what - half the team or slightly more than that coming down? it's really disheartening for me especially when the excuses i receive are downright ridiculous. Just remember this guys, individually, we may be strong, but as a team we are even stronger.

The promotional exams are coming up and i wish for everyone to study hard and do well - therefore, flexibility has been provided for you to train and study as needed. Regardless, I feel that it is important to meet at least once for now to reevaluate and share things at least once a week. Thus, morning trainings as a team will start on monday.

Please do take time to think about it, feel free to share. Transparency within the team it important. If you do not agree, just chuck it at the back of your mind and carry on with life. yup.

Thanks for reading,
Yours sincerely
seah.

On a side note, do check out http://flatwater.info for the latest videos of eurochamps and world juniors - muddy