Everything appears goood from the moment I set foot on ECP. Good weather, good friends, good food, good location, good tidings.... Wow, talk about God answering prayers! It's Team SpeedVirus' 3rd Anniversary Party and we are ready!

With shimmering bodies, flowing tresses, the coolest shades and fav wheels, Viruses went about setting up the hot spot of the evening.

Any regular party organizers would know that the preparation to an event is no less important than the party itself, therefore, allow me to take you on a quick trip down memory lane since August 2001.

One night before: Viruses gathered at 5pm at the supermarket, shopping for the best utensils, the freshest meat and the juiciest veggies. Followed by the chopping, cutting, slicing, dicing, skewering, marinating, cooking and cleaning up. Followed by a sumptuous 9-course dinner

One month before: Prizes, medals, certificates - sourcing, purchasing, wrapping, sorting, marking, packing, storing, printing....

4 months before: Running, gyming, swimming, skating, training, training and more training... The Time Trials, the Races, the Competitions, the Elations, the Disappointment, the Joy, the Frustrations...

1 year before: TSV celebrated its 2nd Anniversary - Awards and appreciation to the dedicated and committed mad Viruses.

2 years before: The dream of a few mad skaters, the love of the sport, the drive to be different => The birth of Team SpeedVirus.

Viruses and guests started to roll in from 4.00pm, and activities heated up as the Viruses began to get busy. Soon, Viruses Coolzone & ZeroSpin were hard at work building the most amazing architectural charcoal blocks. With lighters in their very black, soot hands, the pits were soon engulfed in the fiercest fire I've ever seen. The strong wind blew the burning woods into a pit of inferno ready to lick anything within its reach to a char.

"Wei... Ced, be careful or your hairy hands might be synched!" I remarked. "Wah... I can feel the heat even standing 3 feet away!" said Ced. "Let the fire die down a little before we can start cooking, otherwise, the food will be too charred," observed Jus.

As Viruses ZeroSpin and KP have just received their brand new Custom Bont boots, they and others just couldn't resist a dash down ECP. Up and down the happy blue Viruses skated. Enjoying the sun on their faces, the wind in their hair and the kinetic movement under their feet.

2 hours later, an army of chefs stood around the pit, as the production line of chicken wings, sirloin beef kebabs, tiger prawns, skewered sausages and rump steak rolled out steadily. The aroma filled the air and everyone was visibly hungry, as hands automatically went circling round the stomachs.

Other yummy food began to fill the tables - sumptuous curry chicken, delightful fried rice, appetizing potato gratin, juicy coleslaw, spicy satays, fresh rojak, grilled otak, homemade bean curd and gingko nut milk, and even durian to complete the local fare! Thanks to Mummy Viruses for all your efforts in and out of the kitchen.

From our very sombong Virus Topless, "Wah... world best food are all here mann..." "This is sooo delicious.... Slurppppp" chirped Virus Corny. "Eh, I tell you, this fried rice is good, curry is the best, chicken wings are tasty..." echoed Virus TT.

"Wah liao.... The sirloin steak kebab is marvelous, but this rump steak must try mann... Soooo tender and tasty... anymore?" Few Viruses were fighting over the last 4 pieces.

"I want some more chicken wings!!!" cried Baby Virus.

Suddenly, there were lots of camera lights flashing as the attention turned towards the head table filled with golden gift-wrapped goodies. Having completed the 1st League of 2004 (Individual Time Trials and Team Time Trial), awards, medals, prizes and certificates were given out one by one to the deserving Viruses. Most Viruses have attained a higher level of skating skill and also faster speed. My heartiest congratulations to ALL the Viruses who have worked so hard to reach where they are. Special congratulations to the winners of the Top Scorers for the Men's, Women's and Junior events.

It's comforting and encouraging when we gather together to celebrate another year of TSV achievements. The very supportive parents of the Junior Viruses were moved to tears evidently from the passing of tissues. I'm extremely proud to be a part of this great family right from the birth. It's a baby I can be truly proud of. To me, everyone is a winner. Go Viruses Go!!

Next up, Games time!!! It's Charade night!

The theme - ANIMAL: Black Cat pointing to Angel (our pet dog) and then pointing at herself.

Team: ????? Cat and Dog = CatDog the cartoon character?

Then someone shouted "BITCH".

Referee: Correct!

Everyone was laughing so loudly, and Virus Meemee almost fell off her chair.

The theme - MOVIE: Baby Virus scratched his head and then waved one hand to the side.

Team: ????? What's that????

Others tried, "Cartoon?" "Wave?" "Titanic?"

Referee: Correct!

Team: Wah liao... only you can guess it mann....

The theme - ANIMAL: Round Virus hopping around with hands flapping away.

Team: "Frog?" "Toad?" "Rabbit?"

Finally someone shouted, "Monkey"

Referee: Correct!

Wah liao.... Siao izzit? How to guess ah....

On and on they went. Viruses and friends were doing Michael Jackson moonwalk, wriggling on the floor, the Hitler salute, pointing to the skates, the moon, the tree, the leaves.... Everyone was laughing so hard they were holding onto their stomachs. During the break, some heaved a sigh of relieve, while others dashed to the toilet - they just couldn't hold it anymore! Hahhaa.....

"Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday to TSV... "

"Ju Ni Shen Ri Kuai Le, Ju Ni Shen Ri Kuai Le..." (Chinese version)

"Kung Jok Nie Sang Sun Yu Tin Chai... Heng Hor Nie Sang Sun Fai Lock..." (Cantonese)

I've long come to the conclusion that mad Viruses can skate, can play, can eat and can sing too (well, at least most of us)

A beautiful chocolate butter cake, with a "3" candle became the main focus as Viruses gathered round the table and started chorusing, screaming, clapping and cheering. It was indeed a heart-warming moment. Thank you Virus CO for the delicious good choice - it's a blast!

"Quick eat, quick, quick..." Everyone's gobbling down watermelon in quick time as part 2 of the competition began. Some were frantically using plastics spoons, others using their hands.... It was such a hilarious sight! The winning team emerged in less than 3 minutes. As the games prizes were given out, many were seen holding onto their stomachs. Hahahaaaa.....

What other Viruses said:

Virus Tehsi - "I tell you, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of food and how the curry, beef kebab, potato gratin, etc really whet my appetite. The Viruses culinary skills are indeed excellent."

Virus Coolzone - "The wind was a killer. So strong that almost cannot start a fire. When it finally started to burn it became too HOT!! Cannot control arh!! Cooking the food got to be fast, hands also got to be fast else no more hair liao.. kena burn off"

Virus CO - Thank God for the fine weather, great food, fun games & fantastic teamwork put into this anniversary! TSV will continue to be the Speed Terror on the road! Hip Hip, Hurray!"

Virus 003 - It's great meeting the MIAs & ex-Viruses again. Games section revealed Viruses' witty side. Even family members and guests played so sportingly and enthusiastically.

Virus Corny - I didn't expect BBQ service all the way man! Got fed and no need to work! Fantabulicious food but I still found a favourite in our huge and rich choco birthday cake.

As the tables were being cleared and the area tidied up, Mad Viruses were seen putting on their skates! It's almost 11pm and they were going for night skate! Up and down they dashed the ECP, using up every last ounce of their energy. As Viruses disappeared into the darkness of the night, I looked up and saw the beautiful and bright round moon. A nice warm feeling slowly filled my being as the sea breeze continued to blow against my face. Another wonderful day that we will all chalk up to our digital memories. Until next time.... God bless.