Dad's best foot forward for sports day
| 16:05 UK
time, Monday, 6 June 2011
It will soon be school sports day for many children up and down the country, and as parents, it’s something that probably stands out on our calendars too. Not least because we have to ensure our children are sent to school with the correct kit, but also as we might be asked to help.
Last year was my first experience of sports day as a parent. It was the one school event I really didn’t want to miss. I’d planned a walk along Hadrian’s Wall last summer and wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t clash with the annual welly wanging and sack racing.
And of course, asking about sports day invariably ended up with me being coerced into helping out. I was very happy to offer my time to help set up and supervise some events, and as I had already gone through a school Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check this was an offer taken up very quickly.
I intended my involvement to stop at putting out cones and finishing lines, and knew parents’ race wasn’t for me. The argument I put forward was that I didn’t want to risk injury before the charity coast-to-coast walk that I had planned.
Interestingly, a report in The Guardian last year suggested that .
But for some mums and dads, a competitive streak compels them to enter, regardless of their physical condition. ÌýOn the day of my son’s maiden sports competition I deliberately wore unsuitable footwear, but other parents had clearly come kitted out to race.
Competition at schools sports events is the subject of fierce debate. Should sports days be non-competitive? Or are they a good vehicle to practically demonstrate to children the general nature of life?
My son’s primary school have adopted a common policy of there not being individual winners, but that the children compete in teams and indeed, an overall winning team is announced at the end of the event.
It seems for older children, and secondary schools, there is renewed emphasis on embracing competitive sport. Last year, the government announced funding for a national schools sports competition, hoping to leave a positive lasting legacy from the Olympic Games. This event will be known as the .
Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt argues that: "Sport - whether you win or lose - teaches young people great lessons for life. It encourages teamwork, dedication and striving to be the best that you can be."
As someone who engages regularly in competitive sport, I would agree with him, but it’s not for everyone. Forcing involvement on those unwilling to take part or who are unlikely to do well, could perhaps have a very negative effect. Perhaps schools should consider involving children in alternative activities that don’t rely so much on athletic ability – for example, a treasure hunt with plenty of mind-stretching clues.
Sports day really is a highlight of the school year, but if you think we give school sports days a lot of attention here,
Ian Newbold is a freelance writer.
Comments Post your comment