The Storyteller Behind NSG's Captivating Highlights

Behind every National School Games video, there's a production crew working diligently to capture the essence of the competition's most memorable moments. Today, we have the pleasure of hearing from the writer who had the enviable task of watching the matches and crafting the incredible highlights that kept us all on the edge of our seats :  Trenton Lim, sports writer, NSG 2023.

When I was first approached to join the writing team for the National School Games 2023, I felt like a kid on a roller coaster—excited and a bit unsure of what was to come. As a die-hard sports fan who grew up playing all sorts of games, from badminton to martial arts, the idea of combining my love for sports with writing had me jumping with joy. 

I have the fantastic job of being the official match watcher and wordsmith extraordinaire, tasked with weaving a delightful script for the epic sports highlights of the finals. It's like being a professional fan, soaking up all the excitement and translating it into words that will make your heart race and your smile widen. I get a front-row seat to all the action, the thrilling plays, the jaw-dropping goals, and the triumphant victories. It's a job that combines my love for sports with my passion for storytelling, and I couldn't be happier. So, while others watch the game for pure enjoyment, I watch it with a pen in hand, ready to capture the essence of the match and turn it into a script that will leave you breathless.

My adventure kicked off with the NSG 2023 B Division Rugby Finals. It was a classic showdown between my alma mater, St Andrew’s Secondary School, and their eternal rivals, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). Catching up with my former teachers helped calm my jitters, and soon enough, I was swept up in the electrifying atmosphere of the game. The stands were a sea of colours—jerseys, posters, and flags waving proudly—accompanied by the thunderous cheers from both sides, rooting for their teams. When the final whistle blew and St Andrew's Secondary School claimed their first National School Games B Div Rugby championship title in five years, I stood on the sidelines, soaking in the raw emotions not just from the winners, but also from the brave losers. It was at that moment that I realised my role as a sports writer went beyond mere scores and schools—it was about the people, the stories, and the heartfelt emotions that unfolded on the field. Armed with a clearer understanding of my mission, my subsequent experiences covering other sports finals went like a well-oiled machine. 

The moment SASS won the NSG 2023 B Div Rugby championships (Photo: Trenton Lim)

Team huddle after celebrating their recent win  (Photo: Trenton Lim)

I was fortunate enough to witness and write about a wide range of sports, from rugby to badminton, fencing (with all its fancy disciplines), basketball, and swimming. Each sport brought its own set of challenges, from mastering the rules to capturing the essence of the game beyond the numbers on the scoreboard. Throughout this exhilarating journey, I had the unwavering support of the amazing production team. They made me feel right at home and guided me through the ins and outs of being part of the writing crew. Their professionalism and warmth made all the difference, and I'll forever be grateful for their incredible hospitality. 

Fortunate to be able to cover a large variety of sports (Photo: Trenton Lim)

Being a writer for the National School Games 2023 opened the door for me to meet and interview people from all walks of sporting life. From SEA Games athletes juggling national representation with final exams to head coaches and game officials, each encounter provided me with valuable insights into the often-overlooked world of school sports.

The National School Games 2023 has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I'll forever cherish the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable event. It has been a truly eye-opening experience, and I eagerly await the next chance to capture the passion, determination, and triumphs of our incredible student athletes once more. Let the games continue!

Interviewing a student athlete for my coverage (Photo: Trenton Lim)

Celebrate youth sport relive ActiveSG Circle's coverage of National School Games 2023 here .