Latest news with #Dreiser
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Developer's staff psyched to take on hero's journey
A sense of adventure and one British soldier's experience on Pulau Pangkor Laut off the coast of Lumut, Perak, are the inspirations for multi-sport event The Chapman's Challenge. Now in its seventh edition, the race draws weekend warriors and thrill-seekers looking to have some fun in the sun, minus the pressure that comes with intense competition. Held at Pangkor Laut Resort, the race comprises a 3.8km run around the island, 2.4km trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest and 1km swim across Emerald Bay. The challenge is named after Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, who spent time in the Malayan jungles before escaping from Emerald Bay by submarine under the cover of darkness. This year marks the 80th anniversary of his escape during World War II. 'He had to hide out on the island for three years,' said YTL Hotels marketing and communications vice-president Geraldine Dreiser, who is part of the team who came up with the challenge. 'His book The Jungle is Neutral describes how he survived and escaped to safety. Amir Asyraf being congratulated by Chris at the finish line. 'We really want to bring the story to life with The Chapman's Challenge.' The company, she said, was keen on creating memorable moments for guests. 'It's truly unique to run through the jungle where Colonel Chapman was hiding out and swimming out to sea – you're reliving history. 'At the same time, we want people to enjoy the race. 'So if you're not an expert swimmer, we allow life jackets or swim buoys,' she added. Dreiser, however, did not need such equipment for the race. Her second time taking part, she completed the route faster this time than the previous year. Familiarity with the course helped but that was not the main reason for her top-20 finish. 'I have always been a runner, and I love to swim. 'I exercise every day, so I train almost seven times a week,' said the working mum, adding that she found the routine therapeutic. Khairul (right) receiving his prize from Stephen. Looking on is Dreiser. As this year also marked YTL's 70th anniversary, it was only fitting that 20 employees took part in the challenge as well. 'It's the first time we have invited employees across the group to participate and it was a nice team bonding experience. 'I met colleagues that I would not have otherwise. And now we have this shared experience that we can talk about,' said Dreiser. Chong Kar Mun, a commercial analyst from YTL Power, signed up for the race even though she was worried about swimming in the sea. With a 10km run under her belt, she thought of giving the challenge a try. What she initially feared turned into something she ultimately loved. 'After the running and hiking, which were quite difficult because of the trail's elevation, it was refreshing to get in the water. 'I thought it would be so hard to the point that I couldn't complete the route, but it wasn't,' said Chong, 25. Similarly, fitness enthusiast and YTL Power data centre operations general manager Leong Wai Loon, 42, heard that The Chapman's Challenge was physically demanding and wanted to find out for himself. 'It's different from the Ironman type of challenges that I have competed in. 'I did not expect my heart rate to keep increasing in the last stretch of the jungle trail, with steep steps leading up and then down towards the swimming portion of the race – it really pushed me to my limit.' Project development engineer Vethalingam Siva Shanmugam, 27, from YTL Power, was thrilled for the opportunity to race on the island. 'I have run a lot of races, including half marathons, but I had never tried a multi-sport event,' he said. 'The run and hike were tiring and challenging, but I was also exploring the island while racing through very scenic routes.' For senior draughtsman Amir Asyraf Redzuan, 37, from YTL Construction, it was important not to leave behind his friend, Khairul Anuar Saadon, a YTL Group IT administrator. Even though Amir Asyraf could have finished the race earlier, he opted to stay with Khairul who was trailing far behind. 'He wanted to give up but I encouraged him to keep going and take a break if he needed one,' said Amir Asyraf. Meanwhile, senior project engineer Lim Chun Yan, 32, from YTL Construction, had never taken part in anything similar but felt he was fit enough as he had been training for an indoor fitness contest. 'The Chapman's Challenge is actually beginner-friendly. 'You just have to break through any mental barrier that may keep you from joining the race,' said Lim. This year, close to 60 people vied for the top prizes, including fitness enthusiasts from Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom. The race, which began at 7am, saw Matt Pexton winning the men's category in 55mins 15sec, while Dr Maddalena Ardissino took the women's title in a time of 1:01:31. Each received a RM12,000 Norqain watch, three-day, two-night Pangkor Laut Resort stay and RM1,000 Under Armour voucher. Also finishing early was Stephen Spencer Chapman, Colonel Chapman's grandson. At the prize-giving ceremony and barbecue later the same day, Stephen donated his first runner-up prize to 'the person who came in at the tail end, No.56's Khairul Anuar Saadon'. Stephen's father Chris Chapman congratulated all those who crossed the finish line. At the heart of this race is a family legacy, one that brings the colonel's descendants back to the island as a way to remember his bravery and exploit. Heritage and history are integral to The Chapman's Challenge, but central to that weekend also are families and friends tipping their hat to the man who inspired it all.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ISU honors century of theater productions
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)—Indiana State University is celebrating 100 years of theater productions with a special event on April 12. The event will feature a luncheon for alumni, students, and friends of the department, as well as tours of Dreiser and Seventh Street Theaters. During the evening, those who attend the event will be treated to a pre-show toast ahead of a performance of 'Reefer Madness'. The performance is a musical based on the original 1936 film of the same name. This comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when straight and narrow kids fall prey to marijuana. The show is said to include musical numbers inspired by Vegas-style ensembles and Broadway-style showstoppers. Indiana State University President, Dr. Mike Godard, stated, 'For a century, Indiana State University's Theater productions have become a pillar of the greater Terre Haute community, and a hub dedicated to first-class performances and enriched storytelling. I want to extend my gratitude and congratulations to the dedicated students, staff, and faculty who have helped shape the theatre into what it is today, and I look forward to the next century of success.' The theater on campus was founded in 1925 and originally started as a club named The Sycamore Players. In the 1930s, The Sycamore Playhouse was constructed in the basement of the Administrative Building, and the stage in the Physical Education Building was fitted with new equipment. In 1935, the Delta chapter of Theta Alpha Phi came to campus; they were a drama fraternity that grew and sponsored events like the Sycamore and Campus Revue. In 1950, the new Sycamore Playhouse was built with a larger capacity and better amenities, leading to the Indiana State Theater Division of the Department of Speech becoming more involved with the Terre Haute Children's Theatre in the 1960s. The New Theater, built next to the Cunningham Memorial Library, opened in 1980. Throughout the decade, Theta Alpha Psi would host Theaterfest, where students could perform each year. In April 1990, the University Theater received an award from the American College Theater Festival, held by The Kennedy Center, for 'Downwinder Dance'. In 2023, Dreiser Hall, the home of the Department of Theater, was rededicated after the $18 million state-funded renovation. Dr. Chris Berchild, Chair of the Department of Theater, added, 'Theater at Indiana State University has transformed from a small student club into a thriving program that continues to inspire and entertain. This celebration is not just about the past, but about the future—embracing new talent, new stories, and new experiences. We invite our alumni and the community to join us in honoring this incredible journey.' Registration for the celebration lunch and pre-show toast closes Friday and sign up at this link. 'Reefer Madness' will run from April 10-13 from 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. on April 13. The event is open to alumni, current students, and community members. Tickets to the show can be purchased here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
