Sports Day 2009
By the time Friday morning came, Mr Spencer’s nails were bitten to the core. Predictions of heavy thunder storms surrounded by days of glorious sunshine threatened to spoil the many preparations that go into Sports Day. Thankfully, despite the presence of low cloud, the day turned out to be clear of rain and very humid, with temperatures reaching 24 degrees.
Years Three to Six headed out to the Owen, armed with suncream, hats and bottles of water, ready to wave to their parents and give of their best on the sporting field. First up was the ever popular Potted Sports, or was it ‘Spotted Ports’ as Mr Whittle re-named it at the end of the day! All of Year Three and Year Four had great fun dribbling footballs around cones, throwing lacrosse balls into nets, shooting netballs, skipping and continuous relay sprinting.
Following this, came the ‘serious’ part of the afternoon. As the first group lined up for the hurdles, others headed to the long jump, whilst some set their heights on the high jump. We saw some great hurdling, with hurdles being vaulted with panache and style and even those who tumbled on their way, bounced back up and carried on. Children not partaking in a particular event, sat in their houses on one side of the track, whilst parents sat on the other. Cheers abounded as the athletes flew by, whilst Mr B-V commentated with great enthusiasm on the action as it happened.
At one point in the afternoon, the racers on the track were all but forgotten, as everyone turned to watch Max Farnell break the school record for the high jump, clearing a height of 1 metre 40cm. Cheers were heard again, as it was announced that Didi Udofia had also broken a school record, this time for the long jump, jumping a distance of 3 metres 53cm. Both of these records had been unbroken since 1994 – fantastic achievements.
A couple of new additions to Sports Day heated up the pace, with three 50m races for U9 and U11 creating great excitement. A slightly more light-hearted time was had with the Obstacle race, where contestants had to balance a quoit on their head, whilst finding their way over a couple of low hurdles, and then negotiating their way under a rather higher hurdle, all without dropping the quoit!
The final race was run and the children sat expectantly, fingers crossed and hopes high. Which house would be crowned champion? First the Potted Sports trophy was awarded, going to Fisk 1 team. Next, Ellen Whitehead was awarded the Victrix Ludorum, whilst the Victor Ludorum went to Max Farnell. Finally, the trophy that everyone wanted to win…..went to Fiske! House Captains, proudly held the trophy overhead, whilst Fiske House clapped and cheered loud enough to raise the proverbial roof, with Mr Spencer, Head of House, sanding by looking like the Cheshire Cat!
It was a fantastic afternoon, in no small part due to all the hard work put in by Mr Spencer in organising the event. Well done to all the athletes, whether you came fist or last and just remember as Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
