SJK(T) Effingham run highlights strong community support

The Bandar Utama community turned its attention to youth development and student wellbeing today as SJK(T) Effingham successfully staged the Kejohanan Merentas Desa 2026, a school cross-country championship that underscored strong leadership, careful planning and deep parental involvement.

The event marked one of the first major initiatives under the leadership of newly appointed headmistress Dr. Sukuna, signalling an early focus on physical wellness as an essential pillar of holistic education. By prioritising an outdoor sporting event that required coordination beyond school grounds, the school demonstrated its commitment to nurturing resilience, discipline and healthy lifestyles among students.

A total of 90 students took part in the run, representing a broad cross-section of the school community. They were supported by 24 teachers who played key roles in supervision, route monitoring and student welfare, ensuring the event ran smoothly despite its scale and complexity.

Strong parental and community involvement

Central to the success of the championship was the active participation of the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG). Members worked closely with school staff on logistics and operations, from crowd control to hydration support, reflecting a strong culture of partnership between parents and educators.

This collaboration extended beyond the school community. The running route around Bandar Utama was carefully planned and secured, with checkpoints positioned at strategic locations. A traffic officer on a motorcycle provided mobile escort duties, ensuring student safety as they navigated public roads.

The championship was officially flagged off by Mr. Paramjit Singh, representing the ADUN Bandar Utama, lending official recognition to the school’s efforts and reinforcing the importance of grassroots sports in student development.

Students rise to the challenge

Weather conditions added an extra layer of difficulty, with clear skies and rising temperatures testing the endurance of participants. Despite the heat, students displayed determination and focus, completing their runs with encouragement from teachers, parents and volunteers stationed along the route.

The event not only promoted physical fitness but also instilled values of perseverance, teamwork and personal achievement. For many students, it served as an opportunity to push personal limits in a supportive and well-organised environment.

As Dr. Sukuna begins her tenure at SJK(T) Effingham, the successful execution of the Kejohanan Merentas Desa 2026 sets a positive tone for the school’s direction. It highlights how effective leadership, strong parental engagement and community cooperation can come together to create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom, laying a solid foundation for student growth in the years ahead.