I remember when I first enrolled into Ngee Ann Polytechnic during the first week, I could hear excited whispers about which CCA was interesting and which ones the seniors warned us to stay away from. Amidst all that talk, I can quite frankly recall hearing the term ''Magnum Force'' and thinking to myself that must be some new ice cream that Canteen 1 was serving (Back then the now extinct canteen 1 served very good ice cream).
Okay so I admit I may have never heard of Magnum Force but once I got into NP, I was sold on the ice cream, um, I mean, cheerleading CCA! Magnum is a CCA that commands great respect thruout the school. Be it along corridors, during lunch breaks, or after school. I have friends in Magnum who put on those school coloured jackets and i always envy them! (Not being able to fly 20 metres in the air somewhat hindered my prospects of becoming an all-star cheerleader).
But in all seriousness, here is a CCA that is not only known amongst all the polytechnics here in Singapore, but commands respect from all the Universities here as well. In short, Magnum Force was the elite of the elite. And it's no surprise why. I remember staying back late at the Atrium or the library doing project work and I could hear Magnum training. While that may sound like torture to many, it was the hard work that they put in that struck me.
Just a few weeks ago, Singapore's first National Cheerleading Championships was held and (un)surprisingly, Ngee Ann's Magnum Force came out tops in both the Girl's Group Stunts Category and the Senior High Category. They came out in the papers for that one too. Competition was tough, with the likes of NTU, NUS, SMU, SP, RP, TP, NYP but need i go on? The blue and gold from Bukit Timah were just about the only colours worth looking out for. WE OWNED EVERYONE.
And this is just one of the many accolades they've picked up over the years. First established back in 1989, we hold the record for having one of the most recognised teams full of experience and a rich history. Last year, we came out champions at the National Cheerobics 2009.
While cheerleading can be considered a pretty much niche hobby to many, but when it comes to Magnum, you tend to get out of your seat and cheer along with them, even if you ain't a cheerleader. With an overwhelming display of school spirit and smiles under the bright-shimmering colours and glitter, the sheer bubblyness of our cheerleaders never fail to lift you. If you've seen them 'live', that is. (:
In the latest innaugural National Cheerleading Championships, we (Ngee Ann) were the highlight of the competition, with many of our refined flips and throws that were delivered, most of which has become somewhat of a norm when it comes to Magnum Force. I remember never feeling so overwhelmed with pride even if it were not for my own efforts.
That it was highly emotional for the winning Magnum could be seen in the way they wailed in enthrallment and embraced each other as brothers and sisters. The countless practice sessions paid off. And this was their just reward.
In the words of MCYS minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who was there to witness the fun, “The last time I saw so much spirit was two years ago at the Padang... [with] the announcement... that Singapore was going to host the next Youth Olympic Games.”
GO NGEE ANN!
PS: Here's a video of our team that made us proud, at the recent National Tournament. Enjoy! (Dont freak out when you see the height of some of the throws! truly impressive)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUDk6F6On60