We've just come home from Sports Day. This always used to be a day of tears, upset and general not wanting to go to school. That is, until they started at More House.
Although our eldest has always been a capable sportsman, last year we were all amazed when our youngest won their race, largely down to the thoughtful way the PE staff had grouped the children so that each one had a real chance of winning. Youngest had never won a race before, was not well coordinated, pretty dyspraxic and hated anything to do with sports, but this win, encouraged by the wonderful members of staff had spurred them on.
This year when Sports Day dawned, they were excited, a bit nervous and most of all, ready to win.
It's amazing how the right encouragement and instilling self-belief can give a child a complete turnaround. Actually, it's not amazing at all, it's common sense, but it had never happened before for my son. When his PE teacher told him last year that he was really impressed with him in hockey, he held on to it all year as validation that someone (other than us, of course) believed that he could do well in sports.
During the year he has gradually gained confidence and competitive spirit. He has moved up the ability groups from bottom to top in a couple of terms and now believes that he is fast and able to win if he puts his mind to it. Now he wants to take part in sports and he wants to be picked for teams whereas before, he would do anything to avoid it.
Here is a short video of youngest and of brother Luca, both winning their races. The mad woman shouting is me (who never won anything at sports and so am doubly proud)!
To cap it all, youngest won Most Improved Athlete of Year 5, something that I do not think they will ever forget. Tonight youngest is truly a happy child (for once!)
I wanted to write this post to thank the PE gods that are Messers Williams, Roddis, Faasen & of course Mr Williamson..(who could forget him?) for their dedication and enthusiasm to our children. I'm not sure you realise how much we parents of those with challenges appreciate your efforts. Sports Day was inspirational and so are you.
Tania is an experienced broadcast and print journalist & author. She also runs a PR, web & social media consultancy, SocialOro Media.
Tania is a rare disease & chronic pain patient advocate with Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
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Yes the Teaching Staff are amazing – Well done to both your Boys *._.*