Beating plastic bottles and blowing whistles, the cheering groups of the four houses provided encouragement for the athletes.

Before the closing ceremony, there was an inter-house cheering team performance. It was not a competition, but the performers did their best.

The teachers, prefects and student assistants put in a lot of effort to make the athletic meet a success.

Nala Li

Shatin Government Secondary School

THE Mentally handicapped are often perceived as a burden to society.

On December 5, I joined a voluntary programme organised by my school's Interact Club. We went to a beach with some mentally handicapped people.

We played games and had a picnic there (pictured above). I gained a lot from this activity. I was a little hesitant at first because I hardly knew them. But by the end of the day, I believed that compared to those who are idle, these people lead a happier life.

I hope the public, especially students, will do more voluntary work and accept mentally handicapped people.

Tsui Yin-chung,

Form 6A,

Stewards Ma Kam Ming Charitable Foundation Ma Ko Pan Memorial College

WARM SUNSHINE and a gentle breeze provided the perfect weather for HKTA Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School's 20th annual physical education day at Sheung Shui Sports Ground on November 29 and 30. The event's highlights included a three-legged charity run by teachers, a lion dance, and tai chi and cheering team performances.

More than 900 athletes competed in various events. Red House stole the limelight by emerging as overall champions as well as snatching the girls' title. Yellow House and Red House shared the Sportsfield Decoration Award. Both houses impressed the adjudicators with their artistic talents, and their efforts made the arena look more attractive.

Yellow House took the boys' crown and also won the Sportsmanship Award. Their members clinched the Cheering Team Award with an exhilarating display which included dancing and slogan-shouting.

In his opening address, principal Poon Huen-wai reminded students that physical education played a crucial role in an individual's all-round development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, school manager Lo Wai-kon praised the students for their enthusiasm in sports.

He said they had strived for excellence and this attitude would help them greatly in future.

Mr Lo also stressed the close link between sports and life.

The 23rd annual speech day organised by Ha Kwai Chung Government Secondary School was held on December 3. Graduates and prize-winners attended the ceremony with their teachers and parents.

In his report, principal CMHung said the students' results in public exams were improving.

The principal also praised the students for their outstanding performance in inter-school competitions. These included verse-speaking, music and tree-planting contests.

Guest-of-honour Leung Shiu-keung, principal education officer (New Territories) of the Education and Manpower Bureau, recalled his experience as a member of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC).

He said students should equip themselves to adapt to the ever-changing world and face challenges bravely.

'In response to the decline in aviation activities at Kai Tak Airport, the HKACC switched to flying helicopters instead. Learning to learn is a way to make yourself adaptable to the 21st century,' Mr Leung said.

The ceremony ended on a high note with a vibrant jazz dance by students and the singing of the school song.