Written By Patrick Leung Siu Chung (F. 3E)
Edited by Bryan Wong (F. 6B)

        This is a special day for the 27th Annual Swimming Gala --- Typhoon York, leading to the typhoon signal no. 10, had just swept pass and left us with unforgettable memories...

        Despite the winds and rains, the Josephian Spirit kept us going on, never worrying about the gales and blasts of wings. On the 17th of September 1999, the Aquatic Club held the internal Swimming Gala at the Victoria Park Swimming Pool as planned. The day was very meaningful. It successfully promoted sportsmanship and also strengthened the bonds among Josephian swimmers. Although it would not be truthful saying that the weather was really good, our dearest principal Brother Thomas, our teachers and fellow schoolmates still attended this important event with zeal and enthusiasm.

        Early the morning, about 8:00 a.m., students start to gather and soon the stands were all fully packed. Confident swimmers had already dived into the water and did some warm-up exercises. "Oh! It's so cold..." A swimmer expressed his opinion with a trembling voice and shaking body But when I asked him if he would consider giving up, the answer was a definite "No," After great encouragement from his classmates, he set a good time, and won in one of the competitions..

        Students demonstrated great Josephian Spirit and sportsmanship whenever a certain swimmer fell far behind the others. Clapping, cheering, yelling, blowing whistles...all kinds of encouragement were heard from the roaring crowd. And what's more. after the exciting race, sportsmen had a handshaking among themselves, what sportsmanship.

        The climax of the day came when it was time for the Parents and Teachers Relay. Screams and shouts were heard all around the pool. Students were on the feet roaring and yelling for their teams. After a tight competition, the team led by Ms. Esther Chia came first.

        After all events were over, the prize-presentation ceremony commenced. Our principal, Brother Thomas and our Vice-principal, Mr. Chris Chan, presented prizes to the winners of each event. We could feel and share with the joy of the winners.

        It was then that the last Swimming Gala before the millennium came to an end. We strongly hope that the next Swimming Gala will be more successful, and that Josephian swimmers will do better each year in the inter-school competitions.