Kuala Lumpur: A retired La Salle teacher urged schools, especially Mission ones, not to view lightly the importance of sports and physical activities in moulding well-rounded Malaysians who will value discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Benedict Morais, who served in La Salle Brickfields (LSB), here, from 1966 until 1980, strongly urged the revival of the popular Inter La Salle Games was one such avenue which produced outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen until it was stopped for no official reason in the 1980s.
He said these Games were a hallmark of the La Salle education system.
“Mission schools have been long noted for providing a conducive human laboratory to foster unity, mutual respect and understanding so necessary in a multi-racial society.
“Students learn about other cultures and faiths at a very early age. They also study, play and compete in examinations, school activities and sports in a healthy environment.
“This is exactly how it should be,” he told gathering of La Salle alumni after 50 years, recently.
He was certain that the full revival of the games would also facilitate the eventual return of Malaysian sportsmen and athletes to the international podium.
“Let us collectively take steps to make Malaysia proud, to see our athletes and sportsmen on the regional and international stages once again,” he said.
It was learnt that a team of dedicated former La Sallians did make efforts to revive the games in 2020 but were hampered by the Covid-19 outbreak. They are still pursuing the matter.
Benedict outlined three characteristics that defined La Sallians everywhere which he called the three “Gs”. They were being Gracious, Grounded and Grateful.
“Gracious as in being courteous, respectful and meeting as equals; Grounded in their successful careers without letting it go to their heads and being Grateful for the La Salle education they received.
“These are La Sallian values that you now exhibit in your lives,” he said.
He told the “old boys” that to be able to meet after 50 years was a great blessing, while reminding them that tomorrow has never been promised to anyone.
“I was shocked to learn at another old boys reunion the previous month that 21 former students did not make it to their 70th birthday,” said Benedict, 78.
“Each of us should have a few really good and sincere friends. You will appreciate the wisdom of that statement, especially after your retirement.
“Meeting on a regular basis with former colleagues, neighbours and friends makes a lot of sense, especially for your mental and physical well-being,” he said.
