If you were to ask me to summarise the whole event in a few words, I’d definitely quote Michael Jordan’s words --- ‘Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.’ It’s normal that we desire to win in competitions. Sometimes, we’re so focused in the race and forget about the fun and the enjoyment. At the end of the day, there must be someone out there who’s doing a better job. Having fun during the process is what playing sports is truly about. It is the same case as we always talk about sportsmanship and putting friendship before races. For me, I have participated in the A grade 800m with my friends. It was, without a doubt, more about running (or should I say jogging) on the track with my buddies while earning one point for my house than competing against others, chasing after the top spot. I am not trying to say that there’s no fun in finishing in first place, I’m simply saying that it doesn’t matter about your position, what really matters is whether you had fun. Not finishing in the top 3 places doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, sometimes doing your best and finishing the race means complete and total respect to the sportsmen and women and that deserves just as equal applause and praise as for those who actually won the race.
For me, this year was not only about having fun on the track, but also being the vice-chairperson of my house, leading the Form 1 students to cheer our house’s athletes. I have never been so anxious watching others taking part in their events. It’s surely about whether they could win and earn points for the house or not. It’s also about giving my support to them, as this is an act of respect to the athletes and honoring their efforts.
Looking back on the athletics meet this year, it has never been so different. As the position has changed, the whole athletics meet was not simply about winning or losing. There are more elements included; such as sportsmanship, leadership and friendship. But all these elements, can be included into one word --- sports. As we all understand, sport is a way of life and life is a bit of everything.
Thank you for listening
By LING Hong Ting Henry Chairman of English Ambassadors