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Article by Gerry Steiert

Athletics Director

Dalat takes the tradition of hosting an annual Track & Field Meet very seriously, involving every single student in MS & HS, from grades 5 -12. Director Karl Steinkamp is adamant that we keep this tradition alive as it is one of the few days where we assemble so many students for an opportunity not only to experience success as individuals, but also as a team. This generally occurs in Mid Nov Semester 1 with the alternate date being Feb in case of rainy weather. So far in 7 years we have never been rained out!

The approximately 300 students are drafted onto 4 equal, colored teams, to participate in a competition run according to IAAF standards. Staff members assist with running the various event which include the standard races 100M; 200M; 400M; 800M; 1500M; 3000M Girls; 5000M Boys; Throwing & jumping events include: Long, Triple & High; Shot Put, Discus Javelin; We always try to fit in the crowd pleasing relays when time permits & weather cooperates:  4X100M & 4X200M Relays.

In addition to our Dalat Local Meet we have several interested & motivated students involved in MSSPP Track & Field Competition or Olahraga. MSSPP is short for Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Pulau Pinang which is essentially Penang’s Zone & State playoffs. There are Zone competitions followed by State competitions for those athletes who finish in the top 2 of each event. Dalat boasts 2 multi-event State Champions: Jessica Friesen 2004: Pentathlon, plus both the 800M & 1500M all in 1 year! Drew Steiert captured the 2007 Heptathlon title after a 3-year chase. In 2007 Frances Wong earned State Gold Medals in both the 400M & High Jump for the U15 class. We have several Island & currently Kelawai Zone Champions as well.