Fortune favours the brave, and the sun shines on the worthy. By my reckoning, that makes our children both – as they navigated a horribly wet and windy week to enjoy a fabulous series of Sports Days, much of it in sunshine and dry conditions!
It saddens me that some schools shy away from competitive sports days. If ever there were proof that, regardless of athletic ability, such an event can be a positive experience – bringing collective celebration and fun for all – you need look no further than BPS this week.
Of course, I recognise that for some children, the day wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of nerves, frustration, and disappointment. It may not be at the top of everyone’s list. Yet, they showed up. They gave their best. They contributed. And in doing so, they made it truly special. They showed true character.
Sports Days are among the most inspiring and uplifting events in our school calendar, filled with energy, determination, camaraderie, and fun. They allow both individual and team efforts to shine, while supporters play a pivotal role in shaping the experience for every athlete. The roar of encouragement from the sidelines transforms an athlete’s mindset – turning nerves into courage, exhaustion into perseverance, and setbacks into resilience.
Whether it’s a pupil sprinting towards the finish line, a relay team passing the baton with precision, or the final runner crossing the line to the cheers of their peers, support fuels every moment and creates something unforgettable. I lost count of the grins and smiles as children rounded the track bend, lifted by the encouragement of their peers and our wonderful community. Knowing that someone is willing you on and wishing you well is an incredibly powerful force.
Watching our children support one another – not just celebrating their own achievements, but the success of others – was humbling. It’s something BPS children do better than any school I’ve ever come across.
Competitive sports teach invaluable lessons—determination, discipline, and the pursuit of progress. They create an environment where children strive to improve, push boundaries, and embrace challenges. Victory is worth celebrating, but setbacks shape character just as profoundly. Michael Jordan, one of the greatest athletes of all time, once said, “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” A powerful reminder that adversity is a stepping stone toward greatness.
The Olympic Games have long embodied values of respect, friendship, and excellence—principles that transcend sport and influence our everyday lives. The origins of the Olympics in ancient Greece were never just about winning but about testing human limits and celebrating the spirit of competition.
Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, famously stated, “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.” This ethos is one we strongly believe in at BPS, across all aspects of school life—where participation, effort, and sportsmanship are just as commendable as standing atop a podium.
The thrill of victory is undeniable, but the lessons learned from challenges and defeats are just as valuable. Team sports teach cooperation, trust, and collective success, while individual competition fosters self-discipline and personal growth. Both formats build resilient, determined individuals who understand that perseverance and hard work pave the way to success. Serena Williams, a champion of resilience, once said, “I’ve grown most not from victories, but setbacks. If winning is God’s reward, then losing is how he teaches us.”
It was deeply moving to witness the spirit of encouragement—not just in moments of triumph, but in times of struggle. Every cheer, every applause, every word of support created an atmosphere where every child felt valued and seen, knowing they had contributed meaningfully to something special.
A huge thank you to the PE department, site team, and all the staff who led and supported these events – and especially to our wonderful supporters, who helped create such an incredible atmosphere.
