News and Photos By: Tan Mei Bing & Sagaya Damascene A/L Paul
On May 24, 2024, the Global Buddies Club (GBC) and the UUM Archery Club successfully hosted the "Arrow Amigos" event at the UUM Archery Range from 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM. This engaging event brought together mobility, international, and local students, offering a unique opportunity to experience the sport of archery while fostering intercultural connections.
Participants began arriving at 8:15 AM for registration and a light breakfast. By 8:45 AM, the emcee welcomed everyone, and participants were divided into five groups, each guided by committee members. A warm-up session led by archery club members was followed by an introduction to archery basics, emphasizing safety and technique. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students learned to handle a bow and arrow, aiming, and shooting, gradually building their confidence and skills.
In addition to archery, team-building games like Straw Relay and Face the Cookie were organized to keep participants engaged and entertained while they waited for their turn at the range. These activities promoted teamwork and camaraderie, adding an extra layer of fun to the event.
The archery sessions continued until 11:30 AM, culminating in a prize distribution ceremony. Mr. Muhammad Hafiz Baharudin, assistant director of the International Student & Scholar Services Division, CIAC, delivered a speech and presented medals to participants, committee members, and archery club members. Representatives from both GBC and the UUM Archery Club expressed their gratitude and encouraged continued participation in future activities. The event concluded with lunch for all attendees, with the cleanliness team ensuring the venue was left immaculate.
Participants shared their positive experiences, with one student remarking, "Thank you for giving us a great activity experience. We will definitely publicize the archery activity to our friends and hope to continue participating in the future." Another student added, "Thank you for making today memorable, especially for the international and mobility students. I enjoyed everything, including the food and drinks."
Overall, "Arrow Amigos" was a tremendous success, meeting its objectives of promoting intercultural interaction and introducing students to archery. The event underscored the importance of such initiatives in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at UUM. The GBC looks forward to organizing more events that bridge cultural gaps and enrich the student experience at UUM.