The rain was pouring, but spirits were high as people gathered around the Porch for Monash Cups’ opening ceremony. An inaugural event, the ceremony launches the games that will take place over the next month. 

It started with a performance from Monash Street Dance Society (MSDS), dressed in vibrant hues of red and black. Their passionate dance moves and funky spirit set the tone for the evening; boosting the audience’s spirits. Their performance was followed by an opening speech from our very own Clubs and Societies team, and a promotional speech from Kotex (go check them out!).

The captains from each house made their way to the stage to deliver their speeches. Former 5-time champion Culebre kicked off the speeches, urging their teammates to remain victorious, eliciting roaring cheers from the crowd. Leviathan’s captain gave a heartfelt shoutout to their parents and sponsors of Monash Cup, and Manticore’s captain thanked their fellow teammates and those who attended. The speeches concluded with a stirring speech from Opinicus’s captain who stated that the Monash Cup was not just a competition but a “time where we can come together as a family” and wished us speed, wisdom, and strength. They concluded by saying that winning is about the friendships we forge, lessons we learn, pride that we take, and knowing we did our best. 

The teams then went head to head in a riveting game of “Whisper Challenge”. Each house had one person read out a list of words for another teammate to guess. But here’s the plot twist – the team member guessing had to wear noise cancelling earphones with loud music in the background. Among the teams, Manticore came out victorious, followed closely behind by Leviathan, Opinicus, and Culebre. 

The ceremony concluded with a speech from one of the organisers, thanking everyone who worked “day and night” and that despite the “massive weight off his shoulders when Monash Cup ended last year, it did not get rid of the depression knowing there were no matches the next day.” With a time-honoured tradition, they removed the former champions plaque, announcing the start of the Monash Cup season. 

Written by Pooja Tamara

Photos by Mona