There is a special ring to any event that has the word ‘first’ added to it. Such was the case for the KL#1 Father & Ranger Derby… It was the first of its kind for the KL#1 outpost, for Calvary Church and for Royal Rangers in Malaysia!
Ranger Derby is a project for Fathers & Rangers to design and build a car out of a block of pinewood before finally racing against other teams. This event is organised by Royal Rangers outposts all over the world and we are proud to be the first outpost in Malaysia to host this event.
It was also the first for most, if not all, of the participants. However, it being a first-time challenge did not deter an overwhelming 30 parents and 36 Rangers from signing up. This was shown in the superb workmanship that many teams put into the design of their cars.
Participants were given three weeks to design and build their car in time to submit for judging on Father’s Day 2015. Cars were given design specifications to meet, including the incorporation of the theme of the event, “Seek Ye First”. Pastor Peter Ong, Pastor Lee Peng and Councilman David Peter had a tough time judging scores for the 36 cars as some of the cars were very well designed.
The Derby race was held on the following Sunday. Praise God for the Multi-Purpose Hall of Calvary Convention Centre that was big enough to house the 30-foot long racetrack and over 200 parents and Rangers who were invited to witness the races. We were blessed to also have special guests with us, Senior Pastor and Sister as well as commanders from Selangor #9, Metro-tabernacle.
Excitement was in the air even before the race started as participants gathered around the Derby car display area to proudly point out their cars to their family and friends. The race began with Derby emcee Commander Samuel Soong and Race Manager Commander Kah Yun welcoming the audience and explaning the rules for the race.
The names of each car owner were read out as the cars were prepared for each race. Cars were categorised and raced according to the respective groups, Ranger Kids, Discovery Rangers and Adventure Rangers. Kids would gather around the finish line area, especially those whose cars were next up to race, so they could get a first-hand witness to see which car would pass through first.
At the end of all heats, a final race was held to determine the Race Champion. It comprised of the first placed winners from each Heat category. It was certainly a fun-filled first family event!
(more photos at KL#1 Royal Rangers Facebook)
Kuala Lumpur #1 