Sports Day

I’m just back from a sweltering sports day. The children’s welfare was paramount with hydration breaks and rest time in the shade.

It’s a very difficult balance managing safety and the potential disappointment of cancellation, but in my view the school got things absolutely right. It started early, changed schedule and was shortened, everyone got to have a go before the sun was at its most fierce.

With a grandson in year six and previous Teaching Assistant experience I’m a pro. A fold down chair, umbrella/parasol, insect repellent, sun cream, shades and a hat plus lots of water I arrived early and sit in a prime spot in the shade.

As the children filed out in PE kit, once again I get a lump in my throat, and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Sports Day is a high light of the school calendar.

The track was first in year groups and gender. The reception boys an unruly gaggle that literally jumped the gun (or whistle) in their enthusiasm.

Some had obviously had coaching from keen parents standing on the line like athletes, only to get totally mixed up as they hijacked each other’s lanes. It was great to see the enthusiasm, the reception girls being far less competitive.

My grand daughter goes to running club and when the year three girls line up is focused and in the zone.

There’s more girls than lanes in this group and she runs well but then unfortunately she gets clipped as they race, she falls hard on her face. Then something lovely happens one of the girls turns back to help her back to her feet. It’s noted. The incident happens at the other end of the track from where I’m stood so I don’t interfere, I don’t want to appear I’m making a fuss.

Year six boys, the competition goes up a notch, some keen ability I think my grandson is forth, a respectable result.

After the sprints everyone goes back into the classroom, I’m spotted on the way in and the tears come for my eight year old. She’s given her left cheekbone a nasty knock. A bit of first aid, a chat with Grandma and an ice- pack and she’s soon ready for the second round of sports. I’m proud of her for carrying on.

Stage 2. This is when it all gets a bit confusing. The school is divided into teams, luckily my pair are in the same one. If there was a prize for the most enthusiastic they would win, their team teacher and class room assistant encouraging them to chant and morph into letter shapes for team ‘USA’ ! There version of YMCA.

There is team rotation around the various activities, and bright plastic cones, involving balls, hoops, egg and spoons beanbags etc. Everyone scoring points for their team. Important because every point counts and for the less sporty, inclusive.

How anyone knows who scored what is a complete mystery, but there are a number of people with clip boards officiating each activity. Some are PE students from secondary school, previous pupils here. They join me briefly in the shade and it’s interesting to overhear their thoughts. The sports field that seemed so big is tiny now, the running track doesn’t seem as long as it used to be. Fact is nothing has got smaller – they have just got bigger.

By eleven it’s just too hot, Sports Day finishes early the children all see quite satisfied they have had a good time and teachers and family are relieved that they haven’t quite melted.

Another ‘last’ for my grandson, but I know it won’t be long until he feels like his primary school has shrunk too.