High School Sports Day

When we heard the news that Sports Day was being postponed, everyone was disappointed. It was during ‘prep time’ that we were informed – there were complaints and even moans lingering around the classroom. We were all so very excited for Sports Day. The event was to be not only an opportunity to take a rest from the daily routine of studying, but also a great way to bond with classmates and form new peer relationships.

So, when Sports Day finally arrived, everyone was doubly enthusiastic. Who wouldn’t like to take a rest from sitting inside the building all day?

Our Sports Day officially started with the sounds of students’ roaring and shouting. One thing to be noted was the event’s opening ceremony. All students participated. Some who weren’t as active during classes brought us immense surprises with their spectacular performances. Music began to play. Dancing, singing… it was an aesthetic feast for our eyes, watching their agile and fluent moves. The atmosphere warmed up immediately.

Archery could be counted as one of my favourite activities. Imagine watching the arrow pierce through the air and hitting the target. In the blink of an eye, the arrow was shot, and your result was recorded. The more times you shot the arrow, the more addicted you became. For me, it was impossible to stop once I got started. The thumping of my heartbeat echoed inside my head. It was as if my heart would jump out of my throat at any second. With trembling hands, I sent another arrow flying upon the blue canvas under white clouds and radiant sunlight.

Plenty of other competitions were held. At the long jump station, students gathered around the sandpit waiting to be called. One by one, with elegant attempts, they leapt into the air creating perfect parabolas. As they ran past, the wind roared and blasted past my ears. Multiple students assembled around to cheer on their friends. Although some of the participants dived into the sand pit with their butts as buffers, all made an excellent effort.

The highlight of the day was the 4×100 relay against the teachers. Each grade nominated four students to compete. This was the best time to show our unity, and the audience became as nervous as the runners. The Grade 11 team won by only 0.1 seconds ahead of the Grade 10 team. We could see from the result that the competition was a fierce one. Everyone screamed with anxiety. Although the race only took just over one minute to complete, it felt as though a century had passed. At the sound of the starter’s pistol, the runners all shot out simultaneously from the blocks. Teachers and students were flying past us like lightning bolts. The aim of competition is not only about winning, but is also about inspiring cooperation amongst the students. I screamed through the whole race. On normal occasions, I would have never shouted out so loudly nor have been so excited. However, even though I did not take part in the competition, I wanted desperately for our grade to win.

Finally, the tug of war, the most anticipated activity, took place. The whistle was blown, and the competition commenced with utmost intensity. Some shouted slogans, some held their breath, while others were nearly dragged away sitting on the ground. The center of the rope changed position frequently. At one point, when we thought the game was about to end, the rope thrashed to the other side. The nail-biting at the rising and falling of the competition was tantamount to being on a roller-coaster ride. After multiple rounds of drastic matches, the results were finally out. Students sat on the ground, exhausted. The winners hugged and cheered. The school field was engulfed with roars of sheer joy.