PENAMPANG: SK St. Theresa organized a cross-country running programme to promote an active lifestyle among students. Cross-country running is a healthy activity that all students can participate in.
A total of 275 pupils comprising those from Pre-school, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 participated in the cross-country event. The cross-country programme was held in an area near the school premises. It was an annual school event and it covered a distance of between 3 to 5 kilometres.
The objective of organizing the cross-country programme is to implement one of the six school sports activities under the ‘One Student, One Sport’ policy. It fosters individuals who consistently lead a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, it serves to build a spirit of unity among school members, parents, and the local community, while also cultivating a competitive drive—a “fighting spirit”—among students and teachers through inter-house sports competitions.
This cross-country programme aims to build physical and mental fitness through sports activities, thereby developing fit individuals. It also serves as a platform to uncover talent and identify students with potential in athletics, particularly in long-distance events.
For the record, SK St. Theresa Inobong has demonstrated commendable achievements in co-curricular activities and sports throughout 2026. The school’s success in securing the overall championship title for athletics at the Penampang district level (MSSD), alongside winning two silver medals at the Sabah state level (MSSS), serves as a testament to the commitment and diligent efforts of the students, supervising teachers, coaches, and the school administration in developing athletes with great potential and a competitive spirit.
The Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of SK St. Theresa Inobong not only supports the success and advancement of the school’s cross-country programme but also contributes to school sports in general. The PIBG provides assistance through financial contributions and funding, security management, and programmatic support.
In conjunction with the cross-country event, several other activities were held, including an aerobics session led by Year 6 students, as well as briefings for all students and staff covering the route and safety protocols. Following the cross-country run, the students gathered in front of the assembly area, grouped by their respective sports houses. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem Negaraku, the state anthem Sabah Tanah Airku, and the school song. The programme continued with an opening prayer and an address by the school principal.
“Congratulations to the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) for their steadfast support in ensuring the success of the SK St. Theresa Inobong cross-country programme for 2026. This cross-country programme fosters a spirit of cooperation among the school community, the PIBG, and the local community—all of whom must work together to make the event a success,” said Chia Pui Ching Olivia, the Headmistress of SK St. Theresa Inobong.
Appreciation is also extended to St. John Ambulance and the Traffic Police branch of the Penampang District Police Headquarters for their support regarding security and traffic control, as well as to Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd for their contribution of beverages.
Chia, (holding an air horn), Paul Mathew (Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association), Patrick, and Celestine (Senior Assistant for Student Affairs) during the flag-off for students at the SK St. Theresa Inobong, Penampang, cross-country event.
