Races, Cheers, and Team Spirit — A Sports Day to Remember

SPORTS DAY

The nineteenth day of my teaching practice unfolded with a burst of energy as GHS Thalachira came alive for its much-awaited Sports Day. Arriving at school by 9:00 a.m., I was ready for a day far removed from our usual classroom routines. Due to heavy rains and a flooded school ground, the outdoor athletics competitions were shifted to an external venue, giving the event an added sense of adventure. From the early hours, I was immersed in coordinating and assisting with various events — ensuring the games ran on time, keeping scores, maintaining discipline, and cheering on the participants. The spirit of the day was contagious, with students giving their best in football throws, sprints, and relays, all under the watchful eyes and encouraging voices of the teachers and us trainees. By 11:00 a.m., we returned to the school premises where the youngest learners, from the KG and LP sections, lit up the morning with their own cheerful and enthusiastic competitions. Their joy was pure and infectious, reminding me that sports is as much about fun as it is about winning.

The afternoon brought more excitement as the focus shifted to the girls’ athletics events for the UP and High School sections. I found myself deeply involved in helping organise the activities, guiding students to their starting points, noting results, and keeping the momentum alive. The races, jumps, and throws revealed not just skill, but also a fierce sense of determination among the participants. The day’s duties were shared equally among us, with everyone playing their part in ensuring a smooth, fair, and spirited event. Between events, I also joined in the noon meal distribution, where the menu — rice, fish curry, pulisseri, and tapioca — provided a hearty break for all. By the time the final competitions concluded around 3:00 p.m., the air was filled with a sense of achievement and togetherness. Sports Day may not have offered a chance for academic instruction, but it gave me something equally valuable — a front-row view of how teamwork, encouragement, and a little healthy competition can bring out the best in students.