A Sporting Spectacle

A humorous and positively sensationalised account of a romantic British tradition, the primary school Sports Day.

"All in all, it was a never to be a forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world."

Although it’s doubtful L.M Montgomery was pondering the annual Carr Junior Sports Day whilst penning ‘Anne’s House Of Dreams’, the sentiment of the Canadian author’s words were somewhat fitting on a morning of such sporting splendour. In one’s imagination, such an endeavour was seemingly inconceivable in the early months of 2018 as the country was besieged by the ‘Beast From The East’; the worst winter our pupils will undoubtedly have ever witnessed given their juvenile status.

The apparent arctic apocalypse eventually subsided, but not without its casualties; incessant blizzards necessitating the widespread closure of schools across the region. Yet even the most brutal efforts of Mother Nature were inferior to the resilience of Carr Junior School, one of few declaring ‘business as usual’ in the face of vehemently atmospheric adversity. Fortunately, the great British summertime demonstrated a similar show of strength, inspired perhaps by the Ostman Road outfit, to ultimately reign supreme over its seasonal predecessor.  April saw an initial suggestion of the resplendence ahead, but few could have foreseen what would follow; weeks (and weeks) of wondrous weather, temperatures to flatter even an Balearic Island, and showing little intention to diminish as the end-of-term athletic showcase grew close.

The school's physical structure, over 65 years of nostalgia within its walls, offered little shade from the stifling humidity and intermittent intervals of imposing sunshine, although it was the smiles of the events 300 participants that shone brightest on this most glorious of mornings.

Responsibility for the endeavour’s smooth operation fell on the shoulders of Mr Johnson, and it was with the gratitude of the assembled masses that the task bestowed upon him was carried out with a calm vigour. Roads within close proximity of the school earned their titles from historical reference, namely Tostig, Viking, Dane and Jute, and Roman Emperor Septimius Severus is reputed to have been cremated within the surrounding area. Johnson may not be held in the same military esteem as Severus, but his administration of the faculty regiment under his instruction certainly bared resemblance to that of the former Roman ruler.

As is tradition, the four houses of Foss, Ouse, Castle and Minster were pitted against one another, and whilst it didn’t quite bear the ancient grudge of Montague and Capulet, a fierce rivalry was enjoyed by all in attendance. For the Year Six students, their departure to pastures new imminent, the challenge presented a final opportunity of Primary School sporting prosperity, a chance to write themselves into the folklore of the institutions already rich history.

Teams assembled by age, and internally separated by house affiliation, first took on a dozen diverse challenges in a Round-Robin tournament, each demanding a plethora of assorted attributes in order to excel.

In the Football Dribble, Year 5s (CHILD) had evidently taken inspiration from the recent Russian showcase with an outstanding display, whilst (CHILD)s aerial prowess was akin to that of a leaping pink salmon to take the plaudits in the Standing Jump. For many, the epitome of childhood athletics is the Skipping Race, the ability in which to succeed gradually dissolves as we age, whilst our young offspring seemingly glide across the ground with the most natural of motion. Likewise, the attributes required for the Dress-Up Race; trading attire whilst in full flight, would present significant difficulty for the more mature among us.

Further round the circuit, it was (CHILD) who lived up to the name bestowed upon him, displaying efficiency worthy of medieval acclaim, neglecting the joust as weapon of choice for a fine showing in the Javelin. In the Bean Bag Throw, (CHILD)s exceptional execution made for maximum points whilst (CHILD)s tremendous tenacity was key to success during the Sack Race.

Audience support was strongly encouraged but even the most seasoned spectator would not have foreseen their frequent inadvertent involvement in the Welly Throw. In a hazard of great hilarity, agricultural footwear darted like erratic rubber missiles, scattering the onlooking throng to safety. Whilst the crowd escaped unscathed, it was the nearby foliage which turned victim as (CHILD)s effort was launched directly into an unfortunately placed privet.

Following the team events, it was the turn of the age-old footrace, every man for himself in a melee of flailing limbs and squealing laughter. In the 80 metre dash, the pure rate of leg turnover demonstrated by (CHILD) guaranteed gold, whilst the colossal strides of the Iron Giant, (CHILD), were instrumental in his decimation of the field behind him. When track and field is the topic, it is irrefutably cliched to mention the name of Usain Bolt, but had the physiological strengths of the two Year Six Leavers be fused, the result would most certainly bear a striking similarity to the winning attributes of the charismatic Jamaican.

If the pace of (CHILD) and (CHILD) were adequate to resemble the velocity of Bolt in the shorter race, it could perhaps only be the endurance of Paula Radcliffe that could be likened to the mettle shown by (CHILD) and (CHILD) in the 160m contest. Both summoned the character and longevity of the female marathoning icon to outkick their peers and break the tape over the greater distance.

The spectacle overall had been an enthralling venture, culminating in great mathematical anticipation: the calculating of the house scores. Under intense pressure, Miss Taylor displayed yet another string to her already outrageously abundant bow to tally up at pace and announced the outcome. Foss were triumphant.

Whilst the green team had become the dream team with a staggering 516 points, it was the student body as a collective deemed to have won the day. Sports Day was perhaps the swan song to the school year, just one of a great many occasions to present an accurate reflection of the efforts devoted in the months since September.

For the pupils, the teachers belief in their scholars was justified; initial promise developed, diligent work ethic adopted, and potential eventually achieved. Similarly, in what has been a challenging period for school staff, the immense investment of unity, spirit, persistence and when necessitated, simple downright dogged determination, ultimately paid off and bared fruition.

Audrey Hepburn once said “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. Carr Junior believes. The seed has been sown.