MASCA QLD  organised  the Queensland Sports Carnival (QSC) on the 19th- 20th April 2008 and  we received tremendous response from Malaysian students here from all walks of life, postgraduate and undergraduates alike. The QSC brought together a massive confluence of established and new talent and scouts were on the lookout for fresh blood to train and polish for the upcoming National Conference and Games. They were not disappointed.

Day 1: 19th April 2008

    QSC kicked off early Saturday morning at the UQ Indoor Sports Pavillion with co- ed volleyball. It was high speed, high flying action with fantastic display of athleticism and skill bashing a ball about and the jumping spikes, diving saves and team coordination were a marvel to watch.

    After volleyball, attention was split between netball and men's futsal. The girls adjourned to the UQ Outdoor Netball Court for a competitive netball tournament. Matches were close and there were sublime moments of sniper-like accurate shooting and mean defending, some funny and awkward miscommunication between team mates and also some aggressive play and injury. You can't say netball is a sport for sissies. Good job, girls.

    Over at Oval 4, the men's futsal tournament was underway.

    At lunchtime, squash and table tennis became the centre of attention. Spectators crammed into a narrow corridor to watch their team mates battle it out in high energy games of squash and some helped out with the  officiating whilst eating the delicious chicken rice sold by MASCA. Some players were too strong for their opponents, resulting in several trashings but fair play to them, they gave it their best shot. There were several first timers on the court too and the experience of playing in a competitive tournament was a very valuable one.

    Meanwhile, at Connell Gym, table tennis had commenced.

    After the indoor action, we moved out into the sunshine with ladies' futsal at Oval 4 and touch rugby over at Oval 2. Futsal was played with passion,  team spirit and some good old- fashioned hardcore goalkeeping- barehanded! Obviously in good humour, several players even took the opportunity to strike ridiculous poses for our photographer while the ball was at the other end of the court.

    The boys were battling it out in touch rugby.

    Last session of the day was tennis at UQ Tennis Courts.

Day 2: 20th April 2008

    Rain decided to fall early Sunday morning but that did not deter the frisbee players. They tossed a few frisbees around and had some difficulties catching the wet disc and the muddy ground was tricky for their footing. The drizzle let up as the fixtures commenced and it was great fun to play, watch and cheer teams and friends on. Diving tries, aerial defense, clever positioning and perfect passes made it an enjoyable start to the second day.

    The spotlight was on basketball next. Spectators were treated to fast breaks, 3-pointers: elegantly scored and also some air ball gaffs, lay-ups both sublimely acrobatic and embarassingly stuffed up ones, steamboats, fouls which resulted in players careening across the court and even a few slam dunks. It was a very noisy affair and eventhough there were a few jeers, everyone cheered for players on court for their efforts regardless of their team. It was beautiful.

    The final event was badminton at the UQ ISP. This proved to be the most popular sport and spectators came in by the truckload to cheer their friends on. They were not disappointed: jumping smashes, brilliant netplay, lightning- fast reflexes, comebacks...the whole lot. The players showed fighting spirit and cooperated well with the organisers and referees by being linespersons.

    After a day of intense sports, everyone trekked to Guyatt Park for the cherry on top of the QSC cake: the barbecue and prize giving ceremony. Most people were tired and starving, so having a few delicious sizzling sausages by the riverside as the sun set was a great way to end a hectic weekend. Prizes were given out, team photos were taken and everyone went home hopefully with at least a few good memories. Congratulations to the winners, also to everyone who participated andplayed their hearts out .

    MASCA QLD would like to thank the athletes, volunteers, supporters, officials, UQ, our sponsors and everyone else involved for your participation and support. We had an amazing turnout and hopefully everyone will join us again for the social games and NCG to keep our sporting culture alive.