A Day Of Sports – and so much more!
Prior to Arise School finishing for their June mid-year break, energetic training and preparations took place for the upcoming, district, inter-school competition, the Charlotte Fes<val Bonanza. Despite the weather, students in all grades prepared to give their all and Arise staff efficiently organised teams across a range of sports – football, netball, volleyball, running and fun games, such as balloon bursting! Whilst the training was intense and their determination to improve palpable, the students’ individual and collective resilience, encouragement and support of each other served both to hone their skills and forge a powerful sense of teamwork and team spirit. As two students expressed it:
“Even though it was cold and wet, we were all really focused. We knew this training was important for the big competition.”
“It felt good to work so hard together. We’re going to be ready for the competition!”
On the day of the competition, 88 Arise students from Grade 2 to Grade 7 joined those from five other primary schools in the District. Whilst the atmosphere was electric, from the start it was also clear that the day would be less about just medals and more about a spirit of unity and having fun. It proved a celebra<on that truly embodied both sportsmanship and effort.
The energy was amazing,” said one Grade 6 student, “everyone was cheering, not just for their own school, but for everyone doing their best!”
The day’s focus on enjoyment and togetherness fostered a vibrant atmosphere among all five participating schools. Beyond the traditional sports, the day was filled with many hilarious and heartwarming moments. The balloon-bursting game had everyone in stitches. One Grade 2 student exclaimed:
“I didn’t think bursting a balloon could be so funny! My cheeks hurt from laughing.“
The sack race brought on endless giggles.
Even the teachers joined in the fun with a comical chicken chase that had students roaring with delight. A Grade 7 student shared:
“Seeing our teachers run aHer a chicken was the best part. It showed us that sports can be fun for everyone, not just for winning.”
After all their training and efforts to prepare, the competition culminated in very impressive victories for Arise with the school bringing home the championship trophy. Arise clinched first place in the dance and singing competition and students excelled in individual races, including the 100 metre races, the sack race and the balloon bursting competition. Not least, the Arise football team lifted the champion cup.
But, the true success of the day was not just in the wins. As one of the Grade 5 students reflected:
“Winning the trophy was great but what I’ll remember most are the new friends I made from all the different schools and the way we all supported each other, no matter what school we were from.“
It was a beautiful reminder that all sports are powerful tools for building confidence, forging friendships and creating memories that can last a lifetime.
