St Paul’s Institution honours Olympic athletes
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In Seremban, Malaysia, nearly 2,000 former students of St Paul’s Institution gathered for a centenary celebration of the Old Paulians’ Association, where they recognised five Olympians for their legacies.
Franco, a 1972 Olympic hockey player, attended the reunion and accepted recognition on behalf of his teammate, Brian Sta Maria, who was unable to attend due to hospitalisation. The event highlighted how the school fostered values of excellence, respect, and friendship that guided the athletes throughout their sporting careers and beyond.
St Paul’s Institution has a long history of sending athletes to the Olympics, starting with Peter Van Huizen in 1956 and continuing through to Keevan Raj in 2000. Eleven of the twelve Olympians the school has produced competed in hockey, with one participating in athletics. Stephen Van Huizen explained that the school instilled the same core values as the Olympic movement, shaping the athletes’ approach to sport and life. The success of these Olympians wasn't accidental.
Teachers, coaches, and former students dedicated countless hours to training young players, fostering commitment and discipline. This dedication created a strong culture of support and continuity, with former players often returning to coach and mentor future generations of Paulians. The Old Paulians’ Association continues to connect alumni through events and activities, reinforcing the school’s motto of “Once a Paulian, Always a Paulian”.
