The wind blew hard and cold, it's fingers twisting her hair into knots while wrestling her for the papers in her hand. She held on tightly as a young girl ran past calling out, "This wind will be the death of me!" and the teacher smiled. As the students lined up to have their turn in discus, the names were checked off. A volunteer showed one or two how to throw the discus and so the day went on. Well done. Foul. Good shot. Have another go. Measure. You came first. You did your best.
The interschool Athletics Carnival was well organised and staff, students and parents all knew where to be. Students moved from event to event in their groups and it was encouraging to see them cheering their opponents on. The distance run was the final event and students made their way around the oval. Some knew to pace themselves while others started at a sprint, then slowed down giving the 'pacers' first places.
Activities were organised for the junior primary grades such as egg and spoon races, sack races and an obstacle course. At the lunch break, students sat with their friends and with their families. Some utilised the playground equipment. Despite the wind and clouds threatening rain, the weather was otherwise good and everyone completed their events on time.
As a student, years ago, I was not particularly fond of sports days. We'd all gather together in our house groups and I was in red house, just like my brothers had been. If we weren't in an event, we cheered our team members on from the sidelines and Green house always won the trophy. There was a lot of sitting on the sidelines because you had to be fit and sporty to be allowed to race.
As a teacher over the years, I have encouraged students to join in and be involved in the different sports offered. Some days were postponed due to wet weather and umbrellas were used on other days, when it was only light showers. Swimming carnivals, cross-country runs and athletics/sports days are great opportunities to build school culture as well as acknowledge the achievements of those who are Olympians-in the making. I have seen teachers "dress-up" in their house colours, with a lot of zest and one school I was at, pushed the head teachers into the pool, fully clothed at the end of the swimming carnival while everyone laughed. It was a lot of fun!
While we acknowledge those students who shine in those environments, it's also important to be aware of the students who are hiding behind the banners, those students who feel they are worthless because they can't swim or run 50 metres and the students who feel embarrassed about their non-athletic ability and/or bodies.
One boy worked hard all day, competed in every event and cheered others on. Later his brother found him alone, upset that he hadn't received a ribbon. When his teacher heard about this, she grabbed a "Well done" ribbon and gave it to him without anyone else noticing. She complimented him on the effort he had put into the day and how impressed she was with his sportsmanship. The boy looked down at the ribbon that had been placed in his hand and when he looked at the teacher, his face beamed. He said, "Thank you so much. This is the first ribbon I have ever got in my whole life!"
School sports days. Get involved and have fun. Use them to acknowledge the abilities and strengths of those who can and those who can't.
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