Dragonboat Tragedy

I am deeply sadden by the loss of 5 of our national dragonboat rowers. They were supposed to attend a joyous occasion in Cambodia but turned out to be a tragedy. I read the papers and there were picture of the rowers, all smiling when they departed for the trip. Who would expect they returned lifeless, not taking the usual commercial flight but on board our Air Force plane. Sad.

A friend who is a dragonboast enthusiast wrote in his msn, "They perished in the name of sports" I suddenly felt life is just so fragile. Well, i believe that if it is time to meet your dooms day, it will. No matter how hard you try to avoid, it will befall on you. 22 rowers, 17 survived but 5 dead. Some said they died while doing something they enjoyed. True. However, i dun believe they wish to end their life this way.

I pity the parents of the 5 rowers. All were young and capable young men. It took great pain to raise the kid but they were gone within minutes. There were pictures of bereaved parents and most were seen sobbing. When accident happen, the first to feel the impact is definitely the family members.

Now, the real question in doubt. Why did the rowers decide not to put on their life vests? Although it was stipulated in the rules tat they had the option to choose whether to wear, the team decide to do away with it so that they could row faster and win the race. Is winning so important than life? Or is it true that our system has inculcate us that whatever we do we must WIN? I think the captain or probably someone should step forward to explain. I mean this is a matter of life and death. When safety is concern, it should not be compromised.

Nonethelss, their death has shock the nation. I am sure everyone is sadden by the turn of event. I hope they could RIP as they return home.....