Innebandy!Co (Team LiveStrong) 6 - 2 Cavalierz

Coming into the game with a defeat of 4-6 against Cavalierz in the first leg did not affect the team’s morale at all. The players in LiveStrong really live up to their name. None of the players showed they were intimidated by our opponents on court but insane courage. I like what Bryan Teoh post on his fb wall. He said, “Time to grow insane courage for this Saturday”. Well said, as that was what I wanted to see in the team since the beginning.

After our first win against Frontliners and a couple of changes in the team strategy/tactics, the team seems unbeatable at the moment. It is not because of their skills but because of their mental strength. They are so driven to win the rest of the matches till improving tremendously without realizing. They have rose from a 3 to a 7 in just 4games. All I can see is great potential in Team LiveStrong and without a doubt they will continue the legacy of Innebandy!Co and to be honest, Team LiveStrong is setting a great example for their senior players to follow.

Our strategy for the games was simple, I only mentioned two things to them.

#1. Play defensively and tight as a team.

#2. Don’t think yourself as just a muscle but a mountain.

Probably you won’t understand #2, you may ask the players in LiveStrong if you’re interested to know more. And it really works! For the first period, the team played a very solid defensive game, thus stopping our opponents from their taking shots at us. Imagine a 6 goal deficit to a 2 goal deficit, this I have to thank our goalies, Daniel Wong and Bryan Teoh for their exceptional performance especially Bryan. You really grew Insane Courage that Saturday. Not only that, we also have players like Radin, Ronnie Chand, Divesh Mohan, Winnie Giam and Sybrina Ng who put their names on the score board. Brilliant goals!

After the 2nd period, I knew we’re gonna win this game because the team’s confidence grew to the next level. Everyone played even harder and finish the game strong with a 6-2 victory. I even saw Pei Juen and Josephine laughing and smiling all the way when the team scores. I will make sure you girls get more game time in our next 2 matches. =) Another sweet victory and two more to go. Let’s ride this wave till the end together.

Team LiveStrong 2012

PAAA Round The Houses Relay

This isn’t the largest relay race in Penang or Malaysia but my first relay race since leaving primary school. I don’t remember doing any relay race in high school because I’m just not good enough. =P I got an invitation from my ex-high school mate, Cheok Teng, as one of his runner pulled out last minute. Since they need an extra runner, why not?. I met a few of them in our training sessions at PISA a few days before the race. Somehow sports people are just generally friendly and easy to mingle with. Our team captain, Chiat Fong even emailed me the race route for me to familiarize with before the race. Memang ada the 1^st LOV, ‘Leadership is Responsible’. Bagus!

2.5km race route

I reached Padang Polo School about 6.45a.m and the crowd was building up, not exactly the largest crowd but the atmosphere was there. Saw many familiar faces as Penang’s sport community is not that big. My captain passed me the race bib numbers to be pin on my jersey and talked a little about the race. It started to drizzle when we were asked to assemble at Padang Polo according to the team’s alphabets and runners in sequential form. Those really made me feel like I was in primary school again. Haha.

Soon, it was go time. Our first runner, Cheok Teng, took his spot at the starting line and BOOM! It began. The rest of us waited at the field for our turn as it is a 2.5km loop per runner. Yea, 2.5k may not be a lot but this is about speed. You’ve to burst yet last long enough to finish the race strong. I didn’t really train for this so the last 400 meters was torturous.

Cheok Teng M1 setting the pace

Being the last runner isn’t an easy task, as you’re the one finishing the race for your team and teammates. I didn’t wanna let my teammates down by finishing with a crappy time, so that was my source of motivation. I waited excitedly for the 7^th runner, Alaga, nice chap. In that moment, when the crowd is loud with cheers, I can’t wait to get hold of the baton and start running. As he got nearer my heart pounded harder and faster, soon the baton was in my hands. As I was running on the main road opposite Disted, a car honk at me at the other side of the road, I turned and I saw another ex-high school friend, Ee Liang and his gf, that motivated me even more. These are the little things which can pump up your adrenaline, support and motivation.

Team Run Forest Run 2 - before race

Team Run Forest Run 2 - after race

After turning into Padang Polo, I could see the finishing line but it felt like I was not moving. My heart was at maximum rate and I was already being fueled by mental strength, nothing else. Every stride I made, I had to keep telling myself why and what those strides are for. As I got nearer to the finishing line, I saw my teammates cheering for me, telling me I’m getting near, keep pushing, come on!, finish it, almost there, etc. I kept up my pace and cross the line the fastest I could. Oh man, my legs were burning, my muscles were stiff, and I just wanna lie down and close my eyes. Nonetheless, it was a good race.

I love this pic! Look at my supportive teammates! =)

The finisher's medal

After race home cooked porridge by one of the teammate's gf I think. yummy.

Even though I’m new to the group, but I felt the bond and support from them. I wanna thank Chiat Fong again for organizing this race so I could experience something new. Another thing that I notice is, most of my sports pics are ugly like sh*t. But I realized the uglier means the more effort you’re putting in. See example below. Have a great week! =)

10:11 (second fastest -ugly)

9:20 (fastest in our team but ugliest. haha)

Moral of the story, don't worry about how you look, performance and result is more important. ^^

Team Run Forest Run 2

Share The Hapiness Dedication Event

Last week, my manager shared to me about an event where you can get free chocolates if you make a dedication on stage. It is the Cadbury roadshow which was held at Queensbday last Saturday and Sunday. The stage was decorated like Charlie and the chocolate factory's theme, really colorful. It was suppose to be a surprise for Sam but the plan kinda fail as the 'presentation' day was on Sunday instead of Saturday when he was there with me.

The emcee for the event was Jeremy from Red.Fm and he's quite a cool guy. The organizer gave us a short briefing, introduce me to Jeremy and it was action time. Jeremy called my name (He made Deswyn sounds really cool. haha) and I walked coolly and calmly up the stage. He asked me who am I dedicating this to, I answered, "To Sam my buddy, but unfortunately he is not here today."

Jeremy(Check out his bling) and I (reading the poem)

I first met you when we were thirteen,
You look crappy, scruffy and thin.
Our journey of friendship started from that day,
And it continued sailing till this very day.

We did a lot of crazy stuff together,
Calling random girls from the payphone like a stalker.
We were desperate for girls to be ours,
Chasing them till their face turn sour.

High school was crazy,
As chemistry always make us dizzy.
Could never understand what was our teacher teaching,
Because we were too busy sleeping.


Left high school with nothing in our hands,
But we vowed to rise and defend,
Our future, career and family in our minds,
We gave our best in the next phase of life.

Next was our graduation,
Our parents stood proudly in the auditorium.
It was like a second chance given,
From God who art in heaven.

There is still a long journey ahead,
I thank God for you and your creative head.
We have great plans to be successful,
I know one day all our dreams will come true.

Forgive me for cursing you when I’m mad,
I don’t mean to make you sad.
Please don’t think we’re gay,
As our girlfriends are shopping, at Queensbay.

Thirteen years of friendship,
Passed in a blink of an eye.
I cherish our relationship,
Please don’t think it is a lie.

I guess that’s all I have to say,
Don’t kill me at the end of the day.
I just want my Cadbury hamper,
I will share it with you, after I collect it later. =)

I think that made Jeremy and those who were present laugh quite a bit. haha. Got down from the stage and collected my goodie bag.

The chocolates from the goodie bag

I was about to leave the stage, but he wants more cause he thinks I'm funny

I said, "Sorry bro, that's all I got for today. =P"

Actually what he really said was, you didn't mention anything good about your friend. I turn and said, that's what best friends are for, you can screw them and yet be close. Is 'screw' a vulgar word?hahaha. Ops. Anyways, this post is dedicated to my buddy, Sam.

Sam and I 2008

Sam and I 2012

Shanique 1st and Shawn 9th Birthday Party

It was a very well organized and plan birthday party by my senior, John Jonathan Leong a.k.a notty uncle. A very creative Mickey themed handmade invitation cards were distributed 3 weeks before the event and all were required to RSVP a week before the birthday. It was my first time attending a birthday party like this, aneh formal. I thought only weddings got RSVP stuff but that’s just the way my senior is. =P The invitation card has a map to the location, just like those wedding cards. Keat! Without the map I don’t think I can find the location since its quite secluded. Something to keep in mind when inviting friends to an event. Or else your phone will be bombarded with calls on that day.

Since this is a Mickey themed party, we were ‘required’ to dress/wear according to the theme. Of course I would support my senior by complying with the dresscode. I did not have anything Mickey in my wardrobe, the last one I had was when I was 7years old. So creatively, I glued the invitation card on my shirt which caught a lot of attention. Haha. But he and his wife were glad of me being so supportive. The best thing about this idea is, it is transferable. See below:

My pretty cute model - Charmaine

It’s a buffet style dinner; they had fried rice, fried bee hoon, fried chicken, curry chicken, roti jala, sausages, tea cup poh pia, Mickey shaped jelly, jelly and a variety of fruits. It was all delicious, esp the roti jala. I think I had 3-4 rounds of servings that night and I was well fed. The food trays were never once empty, they kept replenishing it, this shows how well prepared the host were. =) They made everyone felt welcome and happy that night. Oh yea, even the utensils have something Disney on it.

Door gift for children

At about 9pm, it was cake cutting time. And knn, I was ordered to take care of the lights (on and off it) while they were singing and taking pictures happily. I only sang from the far end of the hall and I hope Shanique and Shawn understand. =) Next time get your own lighting guy.

Unique as snow white

Shawn as shawn

It was a great night. Thankfully, I did not invest in a Mickey shirt because those that didn’t dress/wear accordingly to the theme were not punished or forfeited. I was expecting some entertainment from that, or else Kok Heng would be dancing happily in front of all guests. Anyhow, thanks for the invitation. On my way back, I was thinking, what kind of daddy will I be to my future children? Hmmmm.

my DIY Mickey shirt

Happy birthday Shawn and Shanique!

Innebandy!Co (Team LiveStrong) 4 - 1 Frontliners

First win by Team LiveStrong really means a lot to them, the club and me. They are the future of Team Elite (Sam also getting old d). The team did not start so well in the league but we were quite close in winning or getting a draw in the past two games. Having said that, I'm pretty confident that we will be able to pick up and end well in this year's league.

One thing I've learn from coaching Team LiveStrong is, girls can be better than guys. We have at least 1-2 girls on court every time we play, yet we managed to beat the all boys team. That really made the victory even sweater. That is what the team is about, LiveStrong is about knowing no fear, facing challenges courageously and getting out of it victoriously.

The team played the best floorball I've ever seen them play, good movement, good defense and team spirit was on (quoted Winnie Giam). I told them to be on hungry on court just as what Sam told us in our morning game and it really pays off. To win division 2 is not actually that hard or technical. It's how well the player master the basic skills and how well the co-operate with one another. I always remember my early days of floorball, I don't have the best technical skills compared to the rest, but I was hardworking and my basic skills were pretty good. That will help make you a better player.

I've made a deal with the team, if they secure 1st or 2nd placing in this league. I would buy them a LiveStrong wristband or anything worth RM10 and below. Hope that would motivate them. =)


The wristband not that cheap le, I bought mine from eBay wor. Youth size, so not 'leng leng', wear d cheapo adult size wan also boh stim. So come on boys and girls, this is your only chance to hurt my pocket. Haha.

Innebandy!Co (Team Elite) 6 - 3 Firebrands

I'm a bit lost in the development of floorball in Penang, after leaving the committee a few years back, I am totally disconnected from any floorball news, state development team, etc. Sometimes, when we're invited for state training, I don't see many familiar faces on court which is a good thing as the sport is growing and I also see a lot of potential players.

I've never seen Firebrands as a threat all this years, for me they are just an average club. Until two weeks back, when they surprise me with their result in their league games. Oh boy, I was a little shocked and impressed. How did they come to where they are today? Among the many clubs in Penang, I find Firebrands to be the club to learn from. I really admire the leadership and the people in the team. Even after losing their match against us, their spirits were still up high. Which is not an easy thing to do unless you play with the right spirit and attitude. There is just something different about them.

It was a tiring match for me, I just recovered from my hamstring injury and I didn't dare to push hard in the first period, fearing the pain and pull would come. It happen in our match against Frontliners. I heard a snap sound when I was sprinting for a counter attack. It was scary.

First period was tough as we were only ahead by a goal. They played a very discipline and tight defense, often trying to make a counter through the middle or by lobbing. But Darien, Rooban, Sam and Nicholes really stepped up in defending all those flying balls. 2nd period was 3-1 and 3rd period was 2 - 2. Our opponents made a few errors which cost them 2-3 goals deficit, they may lack of experience but not speed and determination. Stepping up and pressuring us in the 3rd period shows they have no fear but enough will power to give us a tough game. Good job to both teams!

picture courtesy of Issac Chew

I must say, everyone in team Elite stepped up and played really well, even though we let in 3 goals, we know we could do better. We've all learned to be hungry on court and to feed on our opponents so we could step out of the court feeling 'full'. I was really hungry because I had no breakfast and I really wanted to beat them.

picture courtesy of Issac Chew

You know you're body is no longer 17 when you wake up the next morning feeling sore. This is the kinda sore where you play for 2/3 of the time against tough opponents but I did not. Someone came up to be and said, you shouldn't feel tired at all cause you do tris. O.o It's different from triathlons. People have this misconception that I have super good stamina and speed because I do tris. It's totally different, Floorball is a maximum effort game while tri is a Zone 2 HR sport. Endurance is more of my strength now than boom boom running.

I'm pretty sure we will see more from Firebrands next season, my respect and salute to you.

My New Job

I’ve worked in this new company for a month already. Like I’ve mentioned previously, getting this job is really a blessing from above. Few reasons why I say so:

I did not apply for the job.
I was auditing a company nearby when I received the call
I didn’t have to take mc or apply leave for the interview
The benefit it pretty good. i.e basic salary, EPF, leave, etc
I didn’t have to work over time.
There is a club house with decent facilities.
People here are generally friendly.

The timing was just perfect.

But I can say I’ve learn a lot from my mangers and seniors in Crowe Horwath. It provides a good platform for fresh graduates to learn and gain auditing experience. The seniors there are helpful as well as the mangers. To summarize the management team in a word, it would be “sharp”. Nothing can be hidden from them not even a single ‘dot’. Leaving my previous company after 3.5 years was a bit ‘painful’. I was quite reluctant to do so, because I was so comfortable there, I was so used to the people and environment there, thus making change a bit hard. But in life, change is inevitable if you wanna keep progressing.