9:34pm Monday 19th July 2010
By Existing
Here we are once again, nearing the end of another school year and it’s time for all those sports days.
I haven’t attended either of my own two children’s sporting events since they arrived at secondary school - I’ve never really worked out if this is because these schools don’t wish parents to go along to watch, or if it’s simply due to my son and daughter neglecting to mention the dates because they just don’t want mum and dad there. I understand, I wouldn’t want them watching me exerting myself in any way either!
However, I still get a taste of this exciting occasion at the school where I work – that’s if the unreliable British weather doesn’t intervene of course. This summer the weather was kind, and last Monday, children and parents alike were able to enjoy the afternoon in the comfort of the warm sunshine. We’ve not always been so lucky though.
A few years back, we had so much rain that the year 3 teachers did not have the opportunity to take their classes out to practice the relay race before hand. So, on the actual day, and in front of all the parents, the deputy head decided to have a quick run through of the race. She blew her whistle, and the first three youngsters went bombing off around the bend. When they reached their teammates waiting to run the second leg, as expected they handed the batons over...and this is where it all went wrong. Instead of stopping, the first three children continued to run. The deputy head started to call to them to stop, but the children were so engrossed in their mission that they didn’t hear her. At the third leg, the same thing, and there were then nine boys and girls running in a big bunch. Finally, they all reached the fourth leg and...you’ve guessed it, we had twelve seven year olds surging their way over the finishing line, all looking completely delighted with themselves!
‘You’re meant to stop running when you hand the baton over!’ stated the exasperated deputy head.
‘Oh!’ the puffed out little crowd exclaimed in utter amazement.
‘And now you all have to run it again but for real this time.’
‘Oh!’ But this time their response contained a distinct note of dismay.
I have to admit, I did find this little episode somewhat amusing, as did the attending mums and dads - the rerun went according to plan though...despite some tired little legs that is!
Bye for now.
Tania Greenwood
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