Why should I participate in the Sports day?

By: A.L. Paes

The St. Paul’s sports day consists of several track and field events along with entertaining activities, such as tug of war, three-legged race and egg spoon competition.  Students spend over four hours at USP, the prominent Brazilian University of São Paulo, competing and cheering for their house. In this year’s event we were able to achieve amazing results in all contests as well as an outstanding support from our Lions. However, many pupils call into question why should they take part in the sports day.
Many might think that the sports day is simply a pointless event organized by the lions in order to encourage students to achieve points for their houses. Therefore, they perceive it as opportunity to skip school. What we, as Pauleans, should take into consideration is that the annual St. Paul’s sports event is an opportunity to not only represent your house and increase its chance of winning, but also to interact and socialize with different year groups. It is an opening to create new memories, manage stress and experience new sports that you never tried before, all whilst getting involved with school in an amusing manner.
It is evident that growing up comes with responsibilities. The sports day is a way in which students can recall how it is like to be a child: running around, competing and enjoying yourself with your colleagues. It is an opportunity to get to know your teachers better and build a relationship with them outside the classroom. To the pupils who don’t have time to participate in after-school activities, particularly the sports teams, it is a great occasion to engage in a healthy competition against your friends. It is the perfect excuse to blow of some steam and enjoy spending time with your lifelong school friends. 
Something that many students do not realize is that time passes by fast. You should not wait until it is too late, when you have reached the sixth form and finally feel the urge to participate in fun school events and get a last glimpse of the lion spirit. As soon as we start to become aware that our time is limited, you will start to appreciate what is left. Thus, use your time wisely so that you can spend it with your friends and be thankful for the school’s events.