Entering History

June 5th 2011 was Solibad Day.

Three (or four) weeks ago, I spent the whole week making phone calls, sending emails and doing some research needed to get approval from several bodies to hold the event in KL. Two weeks ago, I was busy writing reports on the eight day Sudirman Cup (six days for me). One week ago the whole week was completely dedicated to making/waiting for phone calls and getting everything in order and prepared. A whole three or four weeks of hectic life.

Yesterday was the day. I arrived an hour earlier at Bukit Jalil to find a good spot, set up the camera and 'decorate' the place. Then with Rexy's help, we gathered everyone for a simple briefing. First to let them know what to do, and then to rehearse and make sure the camera's angle is good.

Throughout all this, other than the time when I went down to discuss the movements with Rexy, I was up high on a ladder (more like a stool-ladder) behind the camera doing filming, and blowing the whistle to signal Rexy - and Koo - to perform the following movements.

It all ended well at noon, with mixed emotions - as usual - new friends and new experiences. Now here is an entry to remember the historical day.

Many have been asking me if it was an event organised by my college. It wasn't. It's a charity event by SOLIBAD (Badminton Without Borders). Click HERE if you'd like to know more.

It's said we've created history by breaking a record. I'm not quite sure honestly as breaking the world record wasn't at all part of my motive of working for this event.

Anyway, not only yesterday in fact, the whole process of making this event happen was a great experience. I wouldn't say I made it happen all alone. Along the way I had great help from BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and a friend Geetha (who previously works for BWF) in the application to rent/use the venue.

Days and nights before the event, I - honestly - was very, very, VERY anxious, as I had no idea at all how I was going to make it all happen on the day of the event itself. It's shameful but I have to say I hadn't slept well for several nights as I kept planning things in my head, and in the mornings I got up early to make sure I don't miss any important calls/emails.

At those times of anxiety, Rexy's call, full of support, devotion and understandings was the most comforting factor to me. I felt encouraged and assured that we will make it. Also, Koo (Kiean Keat)'s call meant a lot in some ways.

On the day itself, when I arrived an hour early to get things ready, Rexy came as well, an hour early too. I was very thankful even before the start of the event as he wasn't late at all! He arrived accurately, totally on time. While I was busy with the camera, he decided that we spell MAS with the shuttles and brought two huge boxes of shuttles from his car. Perhaps the boxes were in his car all the while, but I felt he really was devoted. Then, he even came to see how I was doing with the camera and checked if there were anything else he could do to help.

At the start of the event when the crowd finally arrived, he (as in Rexy) was - unsurprisingly - surrounded by little fans asking for photos and his autograph, but he played his part really well and lead the briefing/rehearsal nicely. Even when Koo arrived, he had went to his car to welcome his anak murid who came along with our banner.

Also, I'm extremely thankful to Uncle Michael from World Chinese Badminton Federation (WCBF) and the people from his MBA (Michael's Baminton Academy) who came in a van with kids from an orphanage to support the event. Seriously, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have made it at all! I have no idea how I could express my gratitude for MBA.

I would also like to thank all the journalists, photographers and broadcasters(if there were any) who came. I know it's their job to attend such events, but they could just ignore us considering not many people know Solibad - yet. So I'm really thankful.

Of course, with the success of the event, the person whom I would like to thank most is, without doubt, Rexy. He was the first to arrive (except myself of course) and was last, other than me, to leave. He, and Koo, as ambassadors of Solibad have done a great job in the event, regardless in the event itself or in the interviews with the journalists who came. Thanks so much for playing your roles so well.

At the end of the day, this was what Rexy said, "Thank you Ee Lyn, I know you worked very hard, really. You worked very hard. I'm very sorry I couldn't help you when you were working so hard. You done a great job."

The very devoted Rexy.

And all I said was thank you - and sorry.

I felt my lack of experience in handling such an event has brought to them some discomfort, but Rexy was smiling all the way and reassuring me that I did well. So honestly, when people asked if the event was successful, I didn't - and still don't - know how to answer. Some people said it was good, but on my side I felt I could have done better.

As I bade Rexy goodbye and hopped onto the car preparing to leave, I cried. Those were tears of a mixture of a whole lot of emotions. It was of disappointment, for I felt it didn't turn out as perfect as I'd expected. It was of happiness, for we had made it. It was of release, for all the pressure I've been carrying for weeks have finally came to an end. It was of some sort of reluctance, for the thing I had been working on has finally ended, and the people have all left, and it was the end.

The whistle that first starred in our 'Pn Kwan sketch' six years ago.

All in all, Solibad Day was a very meaningful day. Not just to me, but to everyone around the world who participated in it. Of course, on my side personally, I have gained more experience and have learnt new lessons, and again - I am very very thankful to everyone, all of those, who have made it happen. Rexy, Koo, BAM, MBA, the kids, Bukit Jalil, media personnel from The Star, Sinchew Daily and many others I might have not knew.

Thank you all very much! We wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for you, you and YOU. Thank you as well, for the memories and experience.

Last but not least, thank you Raphael - my boss and founder of Solibad - and of course, thank you mum for all the support and everything you've given me.

Solibad ambassadors Rexy and Koo with Michael of WCBF and the kids.

THANK YOU.