The Race, The Relay And The Resilient: Our Teachers On Spartan 2024

On 26 January, our JC2 Eunoians gathered to partake in the annual Spartan Challenge. Jointly put together by the PE department and students from the Outdoor Adventure Club (ODAC) and Sports Representatives, student participants took part in a thrilling combat aerobics workout and a challenging obstacle course before coming together for the Eunoia Wave Relay – the chance for all 5 Houses to make their rounds to be crowned!

As we conclude this first of many House Championship highlights, the Origin* has compiled a range of experiences and stories from the organisers and participants of Spartan 2024, starting off with our daring teachers!

Credits: EJ Media

Mr Trevor Tay

1. What was the initial consideration/inspiration behind organising Spartan?

Foremost, the original name for the event was EJC Spartan Challenge, to differentiate from the trademarked Spartan Race.

At the start, the aim was to deliver a unique and signature sporting event for the college. Having participated in the Spartan Race, I felt that the obstacle-race event promoted ruggedness and grit amongst its participants, and imbued a sense of pride and camaraderie when completed. Consequently, the Obstacle Race was developed, designed to be inclusive and scalable according to the fitness levels of the participants.

However, it was not possible for the entire cohort to participate in the race at the same time, hence there was a need to incorporate other elements to facilitate the flow of the event. Consistent with the Spartan theme, where warriors were renowned for their loyalty, determination, courage and resilience, the King-of-the-Hill and the Combat Aerobics segments were included.

The Eunoia Wave Relay was a later addition and was the brainchild of EJC ODAC. It dovetailed neatly into the event as it promoted teamwork and excellence, and served as a fitting culminating activity.

1. What is your favourite part of Spartan 2024 and why?

Definitely the Obstacle Race. Seemingly easy, many will soon realise that it is actually physically challenging. That is also when the character-building (or revealing) part comes in, the courage and determination to push on, as well as the loyalty and camaraderie to encourage your peers.

Led by EJC ODAC, this segment allows ground-up initiatives in the design of the obstacles, which can be different across the years. It engenders commitment, resourcefulness, teamwork and a can-do spirit within the team to organise this segment smoothly.

1. What were some challenges you faced in organising Spartan, and how did you resolve them?

The main concern was to ensure that the event is sustainable over the years. This included the manpower and resources needed to organise the event. Then there is also the challenge of holding the event at the start of the school year.

Manpower-wise, I was able to enlist EJC ODAC and our Sports Reps to organise the event. This has been successfully incorporated into ODAC’s CCA work plan as well as the Sports Reps’ stipulated duties.

Resource wise, I was prudent in managing the expenses and ingeniously made use of existing equipment and materials when designing the activities. Some of these items include the water barrels, medicine balls, high jump mattresses, hurdles, etc…

The biggest challenge was the timing of the event. I had to navigate around the year-end examinations, followed by the holiday season. Hence planning and preparations had to be scheduled early, as early as Term 3 the year before.

1. As a teacher organiser, how do you feel Spartan has evolved over its many iterations, especially before and after the lifting of COVID restrictions?

Changes to the event were necessitated when we shifted to our new campus, which was then further affected during the COVID period. I must say that through all these challenges (and opportunities), the event has evolved for the better and credit goes to all who had been involved in organising the event. 

1. Do you think Spartan will continue to remain a signature event in Eunoia JC? Why?

Yes. Why not? I strongly believe that the event delivers on the intended objectives and offers a unique experience for Eunoians!

Interviewed by: Joshua Ong (23-A4), Terrence Tay (23-A2)

Credits: EJ Media

Mr Crispin Rodrigues

Spartan is valuable as a landmark event in EJ's calendar year as it allows Eunoians to let their hair down and focus on literally healthy competition. It is also a good chance for teachers and students to relate better to each other outside the classroom.

Compared to previous years, this year's Spartan was a breath of fresh air, especially with the revamped obstacle course that focused on a variety of physical skills and resilience. The wave relay at the end was also a welcome change and I had a lot of fun participating in it.

That being said, for me, it's really watching my students participate that is my favourite part, as it gives me a chance to watch them challenge themselves by stepping out of their comfort zone.

Interviewed by: Lee Chin Yi (23-E4), Marissa Tan (23-O1), Tan Yi Ling (23-A2)

Credits: EJ Media