Ku Anas Bin Ku Zamil

Aiming to strengthen teamwork and promote a healthy lifestyle among the staff, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) through its Sailing Training Centre organized for the second time the U&Me Together Sailing Tournament from 17 – 19 December at UMT Community Sailing Clubhouse, Duyong Island.

A total of 13 teams took part in the tournament, with each team comprising 6 to 10 members. Altogether more than 100 staff participated in the three-day event.

The tournament provided the opportunity for UMT staff to learn more about sailing while fostering a closer relationship among each other, in line with UMT’s motto U&Me Together. It was intended as a platform for strengthening teamwork spirit among the staff and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.

The team from the Student Affairs and Alumni Office performed well during the course of the event and was announced the overall winner. For being the champion, they took home the UMT Vice Chancellor Cup. Second place went to the team from the Institute of Oceanography and Environment, while the team from the Faculty of Maritime Studies bagged third place.

The closing and prize giving ceremony was completed by Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), representing UMT Vice Chancellor.

Participants had positive things to say about the tournament and requested that the event be made an annual tradition. There was also a suggestion that the tournament be held on a larger scale involving other institutions of higher learning.

Thrilled with the experience of ship sailing, participants proposed that a course be held for them so they can learn more about the theoretical and practical aspects of sailing.

Sailing Training Centre Director Hafizi Said expressed his thanks to all those involved in the tournament and hoped that participants had learned how to navigate the wind and become better sailors after taking part in the event. “You can’t direct the wind, but you can adjust your sail to move forward,” he said.