The long-awaited Commonwealth Games Day finally arrived. The air was crisp but blue and promised favourable weather after a week of worry.
Each year represented a different country. Year 0 and 1 represented the United Kingdom and Year 2, Australia. The parade around the school was full of excitement and chants and shouts.
The Opening Ceremony surpassed all expectations. Suddenly there was the piercing sound of a siren and then a shiny black Rolls Royce drove up to the astroturf gates. A chauffeur and two very official policemen escorted a particularly special guest onto the grounds. Bruce Kendall, a two-time Olympic medallist in boardsailing, approached the podium. His speech was very compelling. He spoke about sportsmanship, a positive attitude, approach and action plan, the need to work hard, and to never give up despite setbacks. He was very humble and left quite an impression on Owairoa pupils.
Then the torch was lit and the games began!
The games involved were full of fun and challenge. Sack races, three-legged races, tic-tac-toe games, agility races and head sock races were some of those included.
By the end the pupils were happy, tired and hungry. Then we all went back to exciting classroom rotations involving new, unexplored activities. Then the much-anticipated kiwi lunch! Children were able to order fish and chips or nuggets with an apple, cookie and bottle of water. The perfect remedy for the appetite they had worked up after the morning’s exercise. It was a delicious lunch!
All children went home after an action-packed day. The day was designed to celebrate participation, sportsmanship and our Owairoa RISE values and this was certainly achieved.
