The Battle Republic Annual Games (BRAG) has been around for years in Republic Polytechnic. We find out more about what happened this year.
Mention the word ‘competition’ and many would say there must be a winner and a loser. But that is not the goal of the annual BRAG games. Established in 2007, it is an inter-school competition that offers a platform for students to not only showcase their athletic capabilities, but also interact with each other.
It comprises a series of games–such as basketball, futsal, and floorball–played in a league format from 28 October to 22 November.
Lloyd Tan Guan Yu, a student representative from the School of Health and Leisure (SOH) feels BRAG is perfect for everyone who wants to play games – not just for those who are in sports Interest Groups (IGs).
“Many students can show off their skills in the respective sports, especially those who are not in interest groups, or participating in POL-ITE. It also gives them good exposure to a competitive environment,’’ he said. “You never know if there is a diamond ready to shine.’’
One RP team spirit
The aim of BRAG is also to help strengthen the One RP spirit through sport.
“Achieving glory is not the main priority. The fun part of the games comes when I get to meet new people that share similar interest as me like playing soccer,” said Faris Nur Hakim, a participant in the Futsal league game.
The 6th edition of BRAG has seen better response due to the added components to the league tied along with fitness challenge, campus relay and telematch. Fitness challenge is a modified NAPFA version where there is both team and individual categories. Campus relay requires students to form a team for a relay around the school. Telematch would excite most participants as it involves a mascot challenge race.
“I believe that publicity and awareness of the event has increased because we have sports directors to do the recruiting of participants from the various schools for this year, making the selection process much wider,” said Bee Yee from the Office of Student and Graduate Affairs.
“Also, when the ultimate team is crowned champions, they would start bragging about it, and eventually word will get around,” she added.
