Latest news with #OldGeorgians
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Funds needed for KGV school hall
IT is not often we hear of students who left school decades ago coming forward to help their alma mater, either financially or in kind. Former students of SMK King George V (KGV) in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, had planned to build a clubhouse like what the Old Paulians did for St Paul's Institution, but decided to build a multipurpose hall instead. Old Georgian Association (OGA), led by their former president and state police chief Datuk Osman Salleh, had dropped plans for a clubhouse in place of a multipurpose hall about 10 years ago. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who is also a former student, performed the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2016 and, at the same time, urged former students to contribute. OGA carried out several fundraising activities over the years and managed to raise more than RM1mil for the project. But the association is still short of funds, as the cost has since increased to an estimated RM2.5mil. Abdul Aziz showing an artist's impression of the new school hall. OGA committee member Abdul Aziz Hamzah said the project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and inability to raise the targeted amount. Abdul Aziz, who has been the school's Parent-Teacher Association chairman since 2018, said efforts were now underway to raise the funds as the project's piling work started in February. 'The school desperately needs a bigger hall, as the current one, which used to have only one badminton court and where legend Datuk Punch Gunalan used to train, can only accommodate some 300 students. 'The new hall will, among other things, have four badminton halls, a stage, toilets and changing rooms, and it will be able to accommodate up to 800 students,' he said, adding that the present hall could not be expanded as it was a heritage building. The school currently holds its assemblies and other events that require the attendance of all students in an open area. KGV, established in 1923, was initially known as the Government English School. In 1928, its name was changed. Today, it has some 870 students in forms one to five. Abdul Aziz said OGA, which has some 1,000 members, was bent on building the hall as a mark of gratitude. 'We Old Georgians would like to leave behind a legacy and to be forever connected to the school. 'But to make it happen, we need to raise more funds so that the hall can be completed on schedule by September next year,' he said, adding that the date was also significant as it would mark a century of the renaming of the school. He said once completed, the hall could also be used to hold examinations, teaching and learning activities as well as sporting events. Abdul Aziz said the new hall, which was being built near the school's famous Georgian Green field, could also be used during sports festivals or tournaments such as rugby, cricket and softball, which KGV was known for. 'OGA will hand over the hall, which we plan to call Georgians Hall, to the school once it is completed. 'We are hoping former students will come forward and support us financially and even make contributions in instalments if they wish to,' he said, adding that the PTA would also be roped in to help. Those wishing to contribute can call 018-979 7455 (Aziz), 019-660 7288 (OGA secretary Eric Lee) or deposit their donation to the association's RHB Bank account (2550 4700 0002 91).
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach 'proudest man in the world' after win in Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final
By Mohamed Hamza at Twickenham Old Otliensians head coach Andy Hinchcliffe declared himself 'the proudest man in the world' after his side outmatched Old Georgians 35-26 in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. A formidable four-try burst from wing and leading county try scorer Will Howarth alongside an effort from Luke Cowdell helped Old Otliensians hold off their opponents in a thrilling back-and-forth battle at the home of English rugby. Having watched his side take the final step in their journey to become champions, Hinchcliffe's pride in his players was plain to see. 'I can't put it into words. I'm over the moon!', enthused Hinchcliffe. 'I'm the proudest man in the world. 'It was an extremely hard game and a wonderful contest that was perfect for where we were at. 'Just a great game between two very good sides and it could've easily gone either way but I'm absolutely delighted for the players. 'We've been through a lot in the last couple of years so it has been quite emotional. 'Will has had a great season. He is a very dangerous player but he is given the opportunity by the players around him and he is exceptionally quick and scores a lot of tries from half chances but the lads put him in a position to do that and he'll say the same himself. The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023 where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. Hinchcliffe added: 'It's a fantastic competition. To have a national competition for clubs like ours, where you get to play local clubs a lot and get to know them and also get to different places and play different sides you've never come across before makes it a fantastic tournament. 'Long may it continue.'
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
