Athletics Carnival

The second combined Junior and Senior athletics carnival was held at our magnificent new track and field facility this past Saturday. You will read more about outstanding individual performances elsewhere, however the real winners were those young boys and girls who stepped way outside their comfort zone to participate to the best of their ability.

We could not have had a more perfect Gold Coast winter's day to hold the carnival on. It was fantastic to see our younger students competing side by side with our senior school students, all striving to do their best for their house.

There were significant PB’s on the day and a huge number of new college records which is hardly surprising.

Athletics carnivals are a great spectacle and a marvellous way for the college community to come together and congratulate athletic endeavour. It is important never to lose sight of why we engage in such pursuits. While the ribbons or making the college representative team are a great reward relatively few will achieve that honour.

The real goal of these major events is to build house spirit and a sense of purpose for the common good of the team. To strive through fear, adversity, and in some cases just plain old lack of natural ability (that was certainly my excuse at school) and to still give of your best.

The lesson, that in life as in sport, we are often confronted by challenging obstacles. Unfamiliar environments where perceived failure may be a more likely prospect than winning, however success comes in many forms as does winning.

On Saturday, I didn’t witness students practising task avoidance but rather a profound dedication to try their best and be content with the outcome regardless of the objective finishing place. The fact so many young athletes give 100 per cent in even ‘E” and ‘F” division 100m races, filled me with more pride than all the record breakers.

I thank the P&F for the magnificent food stall that added to the carnival atmosphere.

I thank Mel Framp for stepping in to organise the Junior school events, the Heads of House who through their passion ensure that all events are filled and special thanks to Shane Lunniss, who organises and co-ordinates all aspects of the three day carnival.

Congratulations to every student who participated on Saturday!