5 lives lost on a river

A reflection on the Tonle Sap River dragonboat incident

Tragedy struck on Cambodia's Tonle Sap River on 23 November 2007. At the Cambodian capital's annual water festival to mark the period when the Tonle Sap reverses its flow back towards its lake source, five of Singapore's finest athletes lost their lives when their Dragonboat capsized.

They were Mr Chee Wei Cheng, 20; Mr Jeremy Goh Tze Xiong, 24; Mr Stephen Loh Soon Ann, 31; Mr Poh Boon San, 27; and Mr Reuben Kee En Rui, 23. They were all so young.

According to Venessa of the NYJC dragon boat team, Dragonboating "is not a race for individuals, but for a team. Winning a race requires everyone's effort, hence team spirit is very important. It can only be cultivated over time through rigorous training and even facing punishment together as a team." There is such unity among a dragonboat's crew that a mere "Jia You" from a teammate can lift everyone's spirits on board. The loss of five key members of the Singapore Dragonboat team would thus be that much more painful for the team to bear.

Venessa herself was deeply impacted and felt very sad while following up with the news despite not knowing them personally. "They were fellow dragon boaters, and all dragon boaters are considered one big family. We have lost five good and experienced rowers just like that."

Indeed, life may be so fragile. In just seconds, the lives of the families and friends of the five paddlers have changed so drastically. Nevertheless, while we mourn for their loss, we can also learn to pursue our passions like these five outstanding athletes did.

I, myself, have been very inspired by them to pursue my interests (like Mr. Loh) and be determined to work hard at developing my potential (like Mr. Poh). To have a "never say die" attitude and a "can-do" spirit (like Mr. Goh). To set a positive example for people to respect and emulate (like Mr. Kee). To be determined, and yet be a nice person to everyone (like Mr. Chee).

In this way will I honour their memory.

By Chua Yan Yu (guest writer)