“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.”
Reviewed by Ayyash AbuBakar & Isija Thilakarathne
An apt quote, perhaps veritably so since the Annual Kindergarten Sports Meet of 2024 has officially concluded. In the words of Theseus in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the spirit of youth is “pert and nimble.” Yet, the spirit of a child may be nimbler and colorful, for it is only the child that delights in the simpler pleasures of a much innocent world; they see joviality in a mud-bath, music in the rain, and roses among the dull hedges, and sport, to which youth is attracted for its glory and gold, to the child is but something in their own inherent nature. You need not urge a child to sport- they are the sport.
This, maybe, the very reason why this year’s Kindergarten sports meet was received in much deliberated enthusiasm and pomp. The Junior School ground was the perfect arena for the little athletic heroes, a haven, in other words, for simpler souls seeking nothing but fun and enjoyment among the green sleeves. April, too, was the perfect month, as it promised felicity and the blushing blooms of spring was a very natural setting for the much-awaited event. The energetic team of teachers in charge of the event proved to be the right cocktail for productivity. The date was, as usual, the best one that it could be. The 30th of April, as decided, existed solely for the purpose of the Sports meet and nothing else.
The day commenced with its own grand air of excitement. The Junior School Band, with its blue-hued caps of feathers and brass buttons was a sight to see, but much vibrant were the melodies that strutted among the keys and handles of their well-polished instruments. Among the might procession, marching in her own limelight of prominence, was the Chief Guest of the special ceremony. She was not only a teacher. She was a pivot. A pivot of efficiency and inter-Staff unity, a head of many subjects and an in-charge of the TCK Sick Room, Quadrangle Development Programme, and a wise member of the Staff Committee. Ladies and Gentlemen, enter Mrs. Caroline Anthony Gnanapragasam, extraordinary conductor of the symphony of academic adventure.
The anticipation was not only present among the staff members. The Kindergarteners had made sure to dress prim and proper, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the company, because not only the Kindergarten, but the whole school itself, had made itself readily available for this spirited frolic into early sportsmanship. The TCK Media Unit and its Announcers had rallied to the microphones and the podium, all pristine and set for a day of heavy but fun-filled toll. The stands gleamed, the tents sparkled. Everything was in order.
The event started with a word of introduction to the much-loved Chief Guest, and her many merits were masterfully elucidated. With smooth transition, they next moved on to a holy word of prayer by Rev. Shelton Samadanam, our respected and highly valued Chaplain. Our Father Principal, Rev. Araliya Jayasundara, the Vice principal, Mr.Krishanthan Anthonydas and the Co-Vice Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, along with the Director of Sports Mr. Gihan Samarasekara and the Junior School Headmistress Mrs. C.P.K. De Tissera were all notable members of the school administration who took part as key witnesses to commemorate the occasion. We then saw the Kindergarten Percussion band, lead by Master Oshan Samarasinghe, who enthralled the audience with their hand-beaten music and drummed beats. Serenading alongside to the School Song and National Anthem, the respective flags were hoisted by the Headmistress and Rev. Father Principal. They then respectfully took their seats as seven eager young fellows, in an artistic mirroring to the Pleiades of Atlas, marched forward to deliver an oath of promise. A pledge that owed to honest sportsmanship and cheerful athletic mastery followed. After the conclusion of this mystic yet awe-inducing promise, the Percussion band moved on to further engage the onlookers with their hard-practiced tones of genial and generic music. An Announcer from the cusp of the podium proceeded to smartly welcome the Kindergarten Drill Display, to which much applause was brought upon. What ensued was a classic yet choreographically pleasing performance by the students, who, with their suits of red and white, mimicked the perfect demigods of childhood and sportiness. In the words of the beloved J.K Rowling, first impressions can work wonders, so this primary set of classy acts brought upon a kick of enrichment and grandiose to the events that would be followed in the rest of the day; in a nutshell, they grounded the prospective of the sports meet as a well-organized and slickly coordinated one.
Next the races commenced, this year the proceedings were a little different. With the help of the teachers, both grade 01 and 02 activities were well-planned and organized. As a result, with the help of Mrs. Himali Mulleriyawa the activities of grade 02 were a great success. Each class of grade 02 had various skills and talents to showcase. With the help of their respective class teachers, the young trinitians put on an enthusiastic show. The individual races include;
*2A – Dynamic Balance.
*2B – Balancing Race.
*2C – Fun with Water.
*2D – Yummy Apples.
*2E – Balance! Balance! Balance!
*2F – Challengers.
*2G – Don’t Give Up.
Although not only individual races stole the spotlight the partner races too caught the audience’s attention. The event included two youngsters partnering up and trying to beat their very own classmates. It was truly a fierce battle and there was tension in the atmosphere, although there was curiosity and excitement to see who would return in triumph. The partner races include;
*2A – Football Encounter.
*2B – Walking like a crab.
*2C – Hat catch.
*2D – Clever Minds.
*2E – Chained Together.
*2F – Ball carriers.
*2G – Hand in hand, Heart to heart.
Not only did the grade 02 students have fun, but the new Trinity Lions too were enjoying themselves. With the help of Miss. Devari Alwis and Mrs. Sulakshana Abeynayake the grade 01 events were both memorable and successful. Like the grade 02 events, the grade 01 events also consisted of the individual and partner races. For the individual race, classes;
1A – Tire Tumble Race.
1B – Barricade.
1C – Gatherers and Barriers.
1D – Hunt your Juice.
1E – Crafty Cruise Chase.
1F – Aim and Hit.
1G – Hunting Ping Pongs.
Similar to grade 02, the grade 01s had partner races but with less intensity. Identical to the grade 02 students the grade 01s have to find a matching partner and then must try to conquer victory amongst their class. Partner races include;
*1A – Ball Balance
*1B – Ally with a Hoola – Hoop.
*1C – Mighty Three-wheelers.
*1D – Commando in Training.
*1E – Duo Hoop Hustle.
*1F – Collecting Cups.
*1G – Thirsty Frogs.
After the conclusion of all these energetic races, then came the relay races. Both grade 01 and 02 showed their skills in sprinting. Each class from each grade competed against each other. For the grade 1s, twelve students ran from each class and 1A emerged victorious. They truly showed off their skills in athletics. However, for grade 02, ten students competed from each class and 2G won first place.
Up next came the most awaited moment, the staff race. Teachers from grade 01 battled against the grade 02 teachers, it was truly a joyful event to watch. Although there must be a winning team and a losing team the grade 01 teachers kept their heads held up with pride as they returned in triumph.
After this concluded came another interesting event, the visitors’ race. With the help of Mrs. Chamari Attanayake, the event was truly spectacular. The event was concluded with a speech by Mrs. C.P.K. De. Tissera the headmistress followed by the speech done by the chief guest Mrs. Caroline Gnanapragasam. Finally, the most awaited moment for the youngsters. The award ceremony commenced. Awards were distributed for first, second, and third places. But since this is a sports meet everyone got gifts at the end no matter if they won or lost. To wrap up the proceedings the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. S.S. Ekanayake which was followed by the college song and the national anthem. It was truly a day to remember for both students and teachers
