KL Ministry of Education Inter-School Footdrill Competition

It has been 6 years ago since the Ministry of Education (MOE) organised a inter-school footdrill competition. The last time two BB companies represented SMK Taman Desa and SMK (L) Methodist KL at the army camps of Sungai Besi. Both didn't do too well..

This year, SMK Taman Desa and SMK St. Gabriel's sent their BB teams which themselves have won their their school level inter-uniform group drill competitions.

The Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory's Education Department is divided into 5 Zones - Pudu, Bangsar, Keramat, Sentul and Putrajaya. Four of the zones held competitions this year, each averaging 4-5 schools per zone.. rather little considering each zone has 20-30 schools.

The competition format is quite different compared to what BB is normally accustomed too, where a drill squad of 12-15 drillers and one commander  are given a set of 30 or so command movements to follow. The MOE format allows for more creativity as drill teams comprised of exactly 30 drillers (no more and no less) are expected to come up with various formations, but not before a fixed set of "silent sequences" are completed.. very different from the command and order that our drill is used to.

2-5th April 2012 were the dates for the various zones, where the Brigades were represented in three zones. SMK St. Mary's Girls' Brigade represented in Zone Sentul, while SMK Taman Desa Boys' Brigade represented for Zone Bangsar and SMK St. Gabriel's represented for Zone Pudu. Though the GB team did not place, the Boys from Taman Desa and St. Gabriel's were made champions for their respective zones. What an unprecedented achievement for the BB in Kuala Lumpur! Not one, but two teams made champions. Glory to God!

All the Boys practiced hard for this event. Formations are generally more complicated to implement, especially needing to specifically choreograph movements for each of the 30 drillers. Pressure is on the commanders as well, Corporal Timothy Lim from SMK Taman Desa and Corporal (then Sergeant) Tang Hong Ee from SMK St. Gabriel's, who were in-charge of formulating the choreography. Cheers to them!

SMK Taman Desa BB (right) and SMK St Gabriel BB (left) Drill teams undergoing inspections

Both teams proceeded on to the finals, representing their zones (4 zones). It was a straight fight between BB and the Scouts, a 2 vs 2.. a 50% chance of winning and a certainty to bring something home. But the Lord had something greater installed for us as the Champions for KL were announced, whereby SMK Taman Desa representing Zone Bangsar were declared champions. We surely couldn't asked for more. Unfortunately, the BB team from SMK St. Gabriel's did not place, but I believe they are satisfied with the road they've taken so far which saw two victories.

A great performance from the both schools. Hopefully, more BB platoons/clubs from the various schools can rise up and join the ranks in MOE level competitions.

Both school teams posing for the cameras

BB Are KL Champions!

More articles at klbb.org.my:
BB Shines in Inter-School Foot Drill Competition
SMK St. Gabriel's BB Makes it TWO!
SMK Taman Desa BB Wins for Zone Bangsar