Dulwich Olympiad Singapore 2024

From March 18th to 22nd, the quadrennial 2024 Dulwich Olympiad was held at Dulwich College (Singapore), with a total of 13 schools from the Dulwich community participating. The event saw 891 students, 59 artists, 79 actors, 143 musicians, and 610 athletes join in the five-day celebration of sports, drama, music, and art. Students from various schools seized this unique opportunity to learn new skills, establish lasting connections with peers beyond borders, deepen their appreciation for cultural diversity, and promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and creativity as integral components of the Dulwich difference.

60 students from DHSZ participated in this grand event, which undoubtedly provided a rare experience of learning, growth, and achievement. While engaging in the activities, our "Dulwich Dragons" also took the initiative to provide live updates to classmates and teachers who couldn't be present, sharing the highlights of their experiences at the Olympiad Singapore through recorded videos or written reflections. Though the timing of this publication may seem somewhat belated, the energy and enthusiasm of the Dulwich Dragons are certainly timeless!

Performing Arts #Inspiration

Sharing from Drama Teacher Jessica Fannon

Bringing "The Odyssey" to Life 

Much like the classical Greek poem "The Odyssey", the DHSZ Olympiads went on an epic journey to Dulwich College Singapore. Student explorers were in awe of the gigantic campus and impressive country. They faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and encountered a mythical creature named Merlion during this expedition. 

Although drama students prepared for the DHSZ performance during this term’s CCA period, the real magic began upon entering The Alleyn Theatre at DCSG. Peer collaboration, communication and creativity took place on stage and behind the scenes from seven different Dulwich schools. It was a delight to see DHSZ players fully emersed in this melting pot of personalities, cultures, and languages. 

After three sweaty days and nights of rehearsals, the collaborative production of "The Odyssey," captivated audiences with its narrative of heroism, cunning, and search for identify. The DHSZ movement piece was inspired by the Japanese modern dance form called Butoh, as well as styles of contemporary dance. The fusion of various drama styles from all of Dulwich schools not only showcased the Drama Olympiads' artistic talents but also strengthened the bonds between different cultures, reminding us of the transformative power of the performing arts. 

Beyond the theatrical performance itself, the DHSZ thespians saw iconic landmarks like Marina Bay, Civic District, and even toured the backstage areas Sands Theatre. They enjoyed the local Singaporean theatre scene with the production of “Falling” about unconditional family love. Lastly, they had the unique opportunity to learn from Singaporean artists, exploring Bharatanatym, Malay dance, and physical theatre. 

As Olympiads journeyed home, they reflected on their experiential learning in Singapore. Students had explored new environments. They had interacted with different cultures. Firsthand experiences were gained by all, which developed their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. DHSZ Drama Olympiads stepped out of their comfort zones and return to Suzhou feeling tired but eager to apply their newly acquired skills. 

Sports #Resilience

The students and staffs of the Olympic sports team led by Mr Tim Rees and Mr Tony Winton, shared a challenging and passionate journey of basketball, badminton, swimming and football. Whether they were fighting on the field or working hard in teamwork, they showed their tenacity and outstanding performance. The Olympic trip was not only an exercise in competitive sports, but also a profound experience of team spirit and friendship.

U19 BASKETBALL

In a series of challenging matchups, the DHSZ Under 19 girls' basketball team showcased their resilience against formidable adversaries. Their journey began with a showdown against the full school basketball team from Austria International School in Singapore. Despite the daunting opposition, the team found encouragement from a London girls' school that lacked basketball players and joined DHSZ to play. Leading the charge was Kelly Q, a Year 11 standout, whose strategic planning and defensive prowess boosted the team's efforts. Alongside her, Jacqueline Z played pivotal roles, delivering standout performances under pressure. However, facing a full school team with a smaller number of players posed a formidable challenge. 

Undeterred by the day's exhaustive events and an early start, the team forged ahead to their next encounter against Dulwich College Singapore. Despite battling physical fatigue from four quarters of 8-minute basketball game, the girls exhibited unwavering resilience. Defensively, Lily J and Amelia emerged as key players, excelling in their roles, and securing crucial rebounds. Meanwhile, Jasmine L and Sabrina L showcased commendable bravery, stepping up to the challenge. Their collective display epitomized the core values of Dulwich High School: integrity and resilience. 

After two tough games, the U19 Girls basketball team went head-to-head against Zhuhai International High School (DHZH) in a thrilling match that will lead to a Bronze Medal. Despite enduring a series of demanding sports events, the girls showcased their resilience and determination on the court. The encounter between the two teams holds special significance, as it not only marked the culmination of intense competition but also underscored the strong bond shared between two schools through their annual sports trips. Several DHSZ girls have forged meaningful relationships with their counterparts at Zhuhai International High School, adding an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to the match. Jacqueline emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her exceptional shooting skills, leaving spectators in awe with her precision and accuracy. Meanwhile, Kelly proved instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities, displaying impeccable teamwork and strategic prowess throughout the game. Notably, Nicole C and Ashley H had their debut experience at a basketball game, where they demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship and enthusiasm. The friendly rivalry between DHSZ and DHZH continues to foster a spirit of sportsmanship and respect among the students, highlighting the power of sports to unite individuals. 

U15 BADMINTON

On the second day of the Olympiad, young badminton enthusiasts showcased their talents in the Under 15 category, delivering thrilling matches and heartwarming displays of sportsmanship.

Y10 student Aaron F emerged as a standout performer, securing a gold medal after a series of intense matches, ultimately triumphing in the final showdown. Despite facing tough opponents, Lucas S demonstrated resilience and determination, making his mark in the Tier 1 (the top tier) round Robin with commendable efforts. Adding to the tournament's integrity, Kenny X, Rayan Y, and Jerry W not only competed in challenging matches but also took on the role of referees, setting a shining example of sportsmanship and fair play.

In the Under 15 Girls badminton division, the atmosphere was lively and supportive. Bethany B's admirable performance led her to the Tier 2 round robin, where she secured a respectable 4th place among her peers. Sycamore Chen, Reyna G, and Alexia S brought a blend of skill and sportsmanship to the court, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.

U19 BADMINTON

The Under 19 Badminton team from Dulwich Schools displayed their prowess on the court, navigating through challenging games to secure remarkable results in a fiercely competitive tournament. Over 50 players representing various Dulwich schools participated in the event, each engaging in five intense matches to determine their tier for the round-robin final competitions. 

Among the standout performers was Roey H, who advanced to Girls Tier 2 and clinched a well-deserved bronze medal, alongside two other talented players from Singapore and London. However, Dinah Z faced formidable competition in Tier 1, encountering opponents who had earned their skills from a young age. A cohort of skilled players including Lily J, Nicole C, Kelly Q, Ashley H, Jacqueline Z, Sabrina L, Jasmine L, and Amelia W demonstrated their prowess across different tiers, relishing their time on the court.

Meanwhile, the Under 19 Boys Badminton team, spearheaded by skillful players like Jinlin L, Henry H, Leo P, Oliver N, Eason M, Henry N, and Niko N, exhibited strength and skill throughout the tournament. Leo P's impressive performance earned him a silver medal in Tier 3, while Felix Z's exceptional display culminated in a gold medal victory, bringing the curtains down on the badminton games on a high note. Amidst tough competition and thrilling matches, the U19 Badminton team showcased resilience, determination, and sportsmanship, reaffirming Dulwich Schools' commitment to excellence in sports.

U19 FOOTBALL

Day 2 of the Olympiad trip started with U19 students competing in the football tournament. Our students were ready to compete after the two days of fierce competition in various events against multiple Dulwich schools. Now it is time to compete in football to hopefully finish in a medal place. 

The U19s Boys were first to kick off against Singapore A. Following a great start Dulwich Dragons took the lead with Kevin L breaking through and scoring a great goal. However, after a hard-fought battle with players like Niko N giving everything, the Dragons conceded 3 goals leaving the scoring 3-1. Up next the Dragons played against Dulwich London, which was a close game ending 2-1 with both keepers and defense fighting to save shots, Oliver L showed great determination in defense and made it tricky for the opposition strikers to get a shot off. The next two games were against Singapore B and Dulwich Zhuhai with a draw and win placing them in the playoffs for 3rd position. 

The playoff for the under-19s game was against Singapore B, the Dragons previously drew with them in their group game. A strong start from both teams showed the resilience and strength of both defense and attack, with Jinlin Long saving multiple shots and Luke L driving the play forward. A Singapore mistake in midfield allowed for a long ball to be crossed into the box for Mike Q who demonstrated his ability to score a spectacle overhead kick. This goal gave the Dragons the lead in the dying minutes of the game, securing the win in the end. The score ended 1-0 with Dulwich Suzhou receiving 3rd place overall.  

The U19 girls showed great resilience and determination in competing in all their games. They were placed in a hard group with Teams such as Singapore and Australia International School holding strong. Lily J, Roey H, Fiona X, and Amelia W all deserve honorable mentions for being the first names on the team list and playing passionately to keep the games close. With the support from Sabrina L, Ashley H, and Nicole C, the team kept fighting until the end. However, due to the hot Singaporean weather and competing at such a high level, the girls did not go through to the finals but instead showed great character and determination in every game, making the coaches, staff, and themselves proud.  

As the door closes on this event, let us embrace every moment, from the thrill of competition to the wonders of cultural exploration students have experienced. The students seized the opportunity to grow as athletes, teammates, and global citizens while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Students showed great character in all events, and all deserve big congratulations and rest. II would like to say a big well done and thank you for making it a memorable trip.  

U15 FOOTBALL

The U15 Football Tournament held at the Dulwich Singapore Olympiad was a showcase of skill, resilience, and the embodiment of Dulwich values. Our boys' team displayed exceptional talent as they competed against formidable opponents. They secured victories against Dulwich Seoul (2-1) and Dehong Shanghai (1-0), narrowly losing to Dulwich Singapore and Dulwich London. Despite encountering challenges, our team's determination and teamwork propelled them to the semi-finals, where they overcame Dulwich Pudong with a remarkable 2-0 victory. The final was an intense battle, resulting in a draw that required a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. Although Dulwich Seoul emerged victorious with a 5-4 score, our boys can be immensely proud of their performance, exemplifying the Dulwich values of collaboration, respect, and friendship throughout the tournament.

The girls' football team at Dulwich demonstrated their unwavering collaborative spirit by joining forces with Dulwich Puxi to form a unified 'Dulwich China' team. This amalgamation proved to be a formidable force, as the girls showcased their talent, determination, and unity while competing against their rivals.

Throughout the tournament, the girls of Dulwich China engaged in closely fought matches, displaying their passion and skills on the field. Their unwavering commitment to teamwork and their ability to adapt to each other's playing styles allowed them to compete at a high level.

After a series of thrilling contests, Dulwich China found themselves competing for the Bronze medal in their final game. The atmosphere was electric as both teams fought fiercely for victory. In a closely fought contest, the girls of Dulwich China emerged as the eventual winners, deserving every bit of their hard-earned Bronze medal.

The U15 Football Tournament at the Dulwich Singapore Olympiad not only showcased the exceptional skills of our boys' and girl' teams but also highlighted their resilience and sportsmanship. They displayed remarkable composure and determination in every match, leaving a lasting impression on both opponents and spectators. Their unwavering support for one another, opponents, and the referees exemplified the spirit of fair play and camaraderie. Our students have truly embodied the Dulwich values, and their achievements in this tournament are a testament to their hard work and dedication. As we celebrate their journey, we look forward to their continued success, both on and off the field, as they continue to inspire others with their remarkable athletic abilities and exemplary character.

SWIMMING

Day 1 Once the fantastic opening ceremony was concluded the athletes headed off to start competing against the other Dulwich schools. The first sport was Swimming with 10 swimmers keen to get into the water on a hot Singapore Day. Roey H was a standout placing 3rd in the 50m breaststroke. Clark Z, only narrowly missed out on placing but put in an amazing performance. Other special mentions go to Qingwei L, Nicole C, Lucas S, Aaron F, Kevin liu, and Kenny X. While the swimmers were swimming in the pool, the other athletes participated in fun Dodgeball and touch rugby games. The evening activities included U19 basketball and U15 football. 

U19 Basketball

The boy's U19s basketball started the Olympiad week off with a fierce first game. The Dragons had Leo Peng as captain, he selected his team and ensured everyone knew the play sheet. Their first game saw the Dragons play against Dulwich Zhuhai. A close competition with both Ronald J and Henry N showing great determination and composure in scoring points. The competition stayed close until the end with both teams scoring points after each other. Sadly, the Dragons lost the game but at the end showed great resilience and respect to their competitors. 

The next two games saw the Dragons play against Dulwich London and Singapore. In both games, the Dragons showed grit and determination to hold the opposition back with Henry H and Eason M demonstrating great defense on the court. The Singaporean heat introduced some key support players like Jonas Z, Luke L, and Jinlin L who held the team together and scored a few points whilst on the court. 

For 3rd position, DHSZ had a rematch against DHZH. The winner of this would receive 3rd place with a medal and trophy. Starting the game the boys had fire in their bellies and showed great strength in the attack and defense with Henry N and Leo P scoring points. Henry H dominated the defense leaving no space for the attackers to score. A great team effort and a well-deserved win, which resulted in Dulwich Suzhou winning the 3rd position game. 

A huge congratulations goes out to the players for showing great passion and respect in their sport. It was a pleasure to coach and watch in action demonstrating such desire. Well done! 

Students from the Art Group, Sophia Z, Ellie Y, Chika N, Jessey J, Ava F, Amanda H, documented the creative arts trip to Singapore in the form of a diary.

We walked into Dulwich College Singapore campus with the expectation to make dozens of new friends. Dulwich Singapore students and teachers lined up in two rows to greet us with waves and high fives and then we attended the opening ceremony and watched the thrilling dance performances, lion dance program produced by them for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Dulwich Singapore Olympiad.

After the opening ceremony, we walked around the school and took pictures of the campus. The word " Olympia" is to look for and record it in nature. We then moved off and spent the afternoon in our Art groups preparing for the busy week of fun-filled activities.

On the second day, we had a city walk where we walked around the city and went to the museum. There were shops from various countries in the city, and I felt a unique color in the fused culture. We took a group photo in front of Merlion, which represents Singapore.

On the third day, we split into different groups and the Fine art group had the opportunity to work with Ripple Root (Liquan Liew and Estella Ng), Singapore's renowned modern Asian painters, to complete four murals related to the four themes of the Olympics (fine art, movement, music, comedy). We then went on a photo tour around the historic boat quay area, once the home of trading on the Singapore river in the early 20th Century. These buildings gave us inspiration on what to paint on the canvas later. The weather was very hot, but everyone's enthusiasm was high. We mingled with other Dulwich students and exchanged our opinions and thoughts on student life in the various Dulwich schools and our cities.

Textiles and fashion's students worked with Deborah McKellar, a graduate of the School of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales, Australia. They focus on creating textile art. We were inspired to learn about the exotic and bustling city of Singapore through studio Tours and artist talks. She used some physical props to explain Deborah's process and screen-printing demonstration. For the final product, we worked to create a mixed media collage.  

The applied art students worked with Concrete Everything, a well-known local design studio, to explore the beauty of materials and create their own unique jesmonite and copper lamps. 

After three days of concentrated work creation, the art student's exhibition finally arrived. The exhibition was arranged in the center of the lobby of the school, and each student stood next to their personal works to introduce their own sources of inspiration, which won everyone's appreciation and praise. After the exhibition, the art group also got the opportunity to watch a drama performance and the orchestra performance which were extraordinary.

On the last day, we enjoyed the school band performance and disco, and had a rare free time. We made friends with Dulwich students from different schools and gained unique friendships and experiences. In the quiet evening, it was time for us to leave. As our bus left Dulwich Singapore, the entire staff waved at our Windows from the door, making ripples in everyone's hearts. This is the end of the Singapore 2024 Olympic story, but we will write our own future.  

Music #Harmony