Sportsmanship
Today, just like yesterday, was filled with several activities in preparation for the inter-house sports competition scheduled to hold next week Thursday in the school where I work. I really love the fact that the school is not limited to what happens within the four walls of the classroom. It gives the students a chance to learn teamwork, discipline, and cooperation outside regular academic work.
I got to work as early as possible today because our students had to clean and mark the field under the supervision of the sports master. The day before, they had been informed to come with pegs and sand for the track marking, which they brought along. Some of the boys were also asked to bring cardboard to help with the lining of the field.
We didn’t begin with the sporting activities immediately because we had to teach the students in the morning. I had to enter about three classes to teach and also gave them assignments, knowing that the inter-house activities would take much of our teaching time in the coming days. From experience, once the sporting events begin fully, lessons and classroom activities are usually affected.
After the morning classes, the bell was rung around 10 a.m. for the students to assemble on the field and move to their respective houses in preparation for the main events of the day. The activities scheduled for today were the juvenile races for boys and girls, as well as the shot put events for both categories.
What made today’s event more interesting was that the junior and senior students participated together. Everything went smoothly, and the atmosphere was full of excitement and fun. Everyone loved it.
My house was the Pink House, and I was determined to give my best in supporting my students. I encouraged them morally and even provided small tokens of appreciation for those who performed well.
The field events started with the junior school category. I was delighted when my house won both the boys’ and girls’ juvenile races. I felt so proud because the results from both the junior and senior categories would be combined later to determine the overall winner.
When it was time for the senior category, I was honestly amazed. My students gave a brilliant performance that left me speechless. Their energy, determination, and spirit were outstanding. At one point, I couldn’t help but hug one of the participants from our house out of excitement. Earlier, I had been nervous because we didn’t practice as much as I had hoped, so I wasn’t expecting too much. But to my surprise, they displayed great confidence and talent.
By the end of the event, the atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration. The students were happy, the teachers were proud, and the field looked colourful. It was truly a day to remember, one that reminded me why extracurricular activities are so important in education.
