Kelantan State Co-Curricular English Carnival

It was on the 16th of June, as fog started to dissipate as the sun's rays asserted themselves.  There was a constant flow of cars, vans, trucks and busses congregating in the field of SMK Belimbing, Tanah Merah. Teachers, closely trailed by their pack of students lined up for registration. Some students were wearing their school uniforms, while others were decked out in an array of colourful costumes.

The participants converged from the corners of the likes of Jeli and Gua Musang.  They were 10 districts in all: Bachok, Gua Musang, Jeli,  Kota Bharu, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah and Tumpat.  These districts are diverse populations from distinct topographies. Some are from forests, beaches, mountains, hills, rural and urban environments. Yet this heterogeneous group of participants had two things in common: they were all Anak Kelantan (Kelantan Kids) and first place prize winners from their districts.

The crowd was so large, that group was split between two school venues for the competition. The SMK hosted the Action Song Competition on the main stage. The Scrabble contest was also held there.  The remaining events like Poetry Reading, Public Speaking and Story Telling were held at SK Belimbing. SK Bukit Abal team consisted of PKP Cikgu Mustpha, Teacher Maznah, Teacher Siti Basirah, Teacher Faridah, Teacher Suzana, Teacher Wan Azurainee and 15 fabulous Yr 3 students.

All the action song teams were huddled together in their groups throughout the auditorium. There were lots of fantastic costumes as far as the eye the could see. Last year's state champ, SK Kuala Krai, had home court advantage. Students and faculty cheered on the home team who had elaborate costumes and stage design. It was intimidating. Nonetheless, the lads and lasses from SK Bukit Abal took a deep breath, then put on on their game faces.

They stepped on stage ready to do battle. They quickly got in their positions, hunched over with their heads down. They started to pound their fists, when the music started. The  group exploded in 'Wavin' Flag' by K'naan, "oh,oh,oh,oh,oh,oh (2 times) Give Me Freedom, Give Me Fire!" It was electric, but even the Kuala Krai dominated crowd got swept up by their energy.  They gave it all they got and their teachers were thrilled. When the dust settled, SKBA walked away a third place finish in State, second year in a row. Fantabulous Team SKBA and especially Teacher Siti Basirah!