KOTA SAMARAHAN: The walkways outside Farley Kota Samarahan turned into a sprawling canvas of colour as more than 1,500 children gathered for the 2026 Children Colouring Contest here today (Aug 16).
Armed with coloured pencils, crayons and markers, young participants filled rows upon rows of small tables, with some accompanied by parents watching from the sidelines as they worked on their entries.
The turnout extended beyond those who had registered beforehand, with members of the public also walking in and signing up at the last minute.
Children competed across three age categories, namely Group A for those aged 10 to 12, Group B for seven to nine-year-olds and Group C for children aged four to six.
In Group A, Darrick Ho Zhe Yu emerged champion, followed by Jarrell Chong Yan Sheng in second place and Dayang Azra Kayyisa Awang Azronnizam in third.
For Group B, Brandon Chan Yu Cheng took first place, while Zilvania Ong Yun Qing and Angeline Chong finished second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, Group C saw Norzafirah Mardhiah Noor Azlan Sah clinch the top spot, followed by Teoh Zi Yi in second and Mohammad Darwish Anaqi Mohammed Azizul in third.
The top three winners in each category each walked away with a bicycle, hamper and trophy.
Another 10 consolation prizes comprising hampers and trophies, as well as 10 encouragement prizes consisting of hampers and medals, were also presented in each category.
The morning was not all crayons and competition, however, as families explored several attractions set up around the venue while waiting for the results.
Among the crowd pullers were vehicle displays by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), featuring its multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and urban patrol vehicle (URB), alongside a fire engine brought in by the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA).
Various food sampling booths also added to the bustle, giving parents and children more to explore beyond the contest itself.
By the time the winners took to the stage for the prize presentation, the sea of colouring sheets had given way to bicycles, towering hampers, trophies and medals, bringing the morning of creativity and family fun to a colourful close.
