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Sports Day 2008 |
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Flitting sparks of Blue and Gold lit up Breek’s Stadium under an azure sky. Hebron students frolicked in sunshine softened by a summer breeze. It was the perfect setting for Sports’ Day. Four hours of intense action were in store: some blood, lots of sweat and many indelible memories. In a break with school tradition the opening formalities included an ‘Olympic’ torch which highlighted the current protest in the nearby Tibetan Market. Tim Lee wearing a toga (Let’s not delay, But start right away, Especially in the relays etc. etc.) welcomed us on behalf of the Sports’ Department and Mr. Reid prayed that we would all do our best and be content whatever the results. While Mr. Baron strove to ensure that the high jump bar remained perpendicular the measured tones of Mr. Riley and Mr. Bene guided us through the packed programme of track and field events. Everything ran like clockwork. As Mrs. Erkkila put it, ‘Mr. Erkkila does a great job especially under trying circumstances. He is a superstar!’ However, Miss Alexander seemed less focused on her task of assembling medalists. ‘There’s this really hot guy MCing’ was her feeble excuse. [Readers please note that she’s referring to her fiancé, Mr. Bene!] So why do the students enjoy the day so much? Ashlee McCabe (Std.1) explained it for me. ‘I like sports’ day because my Mum comes to watch me’. Amith Dutta (Std. 10) told me, ‘The races and stuff were fun….and the canteen is good’. Sahil and Mikail proudly explained that they had sold out of ‘Bingos’ by 10.30 am, which was a new School Canteen Record. Kanikha (Std 13) said that she was happy with her performances in three events because she had improved on her results last year and won two medals. And they all agreed that it made a nice change from lessons. Of course the people who appreciate Sports Day the most are the parents. Mr. Mohan, our beloved caterer, could barely contain himself. ‘I’m over the moon. I’m a proud father today’ he beamed as Alex sped down the track again. The Higgs family was well prepared with a picnic and plenty of sun cream. They have been coming to these events for many years but they still get excited. Mr. Higgs declared that ‘Win or lose, this is a day for Champions.’ Larissa apologized, ‘He can be a bit cheesy’ she said, but Mrs. Higgs sprung to his defence. ‘That’s why I married him!’ The Thomas clan was also well represented, though Mr. Thomas claimed ‘I’m not a competitive father…… any more’ only to be corrected by Esther, ‘You can’t say that Daddy!’ Nobody summed up the feelings of the parents better than Mrs. Bose. ‘This is nothing like my own schooldays. Everything is relaxed and it all flows. It is lovely to see so many children doing their best and enjoying themselves. We feel that it is a privilege to be a part of it. So many of us come from Mumbai and we really look forward to this week. Sometimes visiting a school can seem like a chore, but here it is truly a joy’. So to the results: Blue House won the competition (again) and forty new school records were set. Many individuals excelled and around 400 medals were awarded. We were all very grateful to all those who took part, those who came to watch and perhaps most of all to those who organized the event, in particular Mr. Erkkila, Mr. Morris, Mr. Keelty, Mrs. Alix and Miss Carter. Each year they introduce new innovations to improve the day, and this year they used a computerized timing system and photo-finish technology to ensure fair results. Hats off to them. |