Head's Blog: Sportsmanship

Dear Parents,

I shared this Youtube clip with all the Year 3-8 pupils at Monday Assembly in readiness for the upcoming Sports Days. It was called the ‘most beautiful moment of Rio in 2016’ and it highlighted that Sports Day isn’t just about winning – it’s about taking part and the attitude with which we compete. Some children love sport; some don’t. However, it was worth reminding everyone that we can try our best as well as supporting and encouraging others during the events. The two athletes that took part in the race at Rio did not win an Olympic medal but they did get a special award for fair play, sportsmanship and the compassion they showed for one another – worth remembering!

After the Lower School Sports Day on Wednesday (a huge success by the way!), I heard a lovely story that just highlights what Handcross Park is all about. A boy in Year 3 had hurt his knee and was suffering from a stitch after the 300m race – he was full of tears and pain. Three Year 4 boys, without any encouragement, went straight up to him gave him some water, persuaded him to race again and then cheered him all the way to the finish line. As his mother said to me, ‘being a great sportsman isn’t just about winning, it’s about how you act around your team, your friends, your house.’ Wonderful to hear!

Richard Brown

Headmaster