“And the winner is…!” instantly the thunderous cheers ceased and the wind became the only audible sound echoing above our heads.
Six hours prior to this moment giggles, chit-chats and laughter filled the air. Jubilant voices chorused songs of soon to be triumph around the school grounds; ‘We are Tigers, you’re goanna here us roar…. roooar…’, ‘Blue Eagles are fireworks.., we gonna show you what we’re worth….’ and “We got the eye of the White Wolves and you’re gonna here us howl…..” And the chants went on and on.
It was a beautiful day, the sun smiled at us in all its glory, reflecting the joy of the Orange Tigers, White Wolves and Blue Eagles, all eager competitors. Parents and teachers alike were all equally excited as the first race of the day set things in motion. The applauses, chants, the occasional rain drops, the broad smiles affixed on the faces made the day unforgettable. Visitors looked on puzzled, as ‘Houses’ cheered unconcerned of the color shirt or position of competitors.
It was amusing to see the older students tumbling down the lane in their Sacks. Their brains were as fast as their legs were in the 100m, 200m, 300m and 400m as they swiftly completed their Math and Literacy problems, before running to the finish line. But of all those goose bump, heart-pounding and eye smiling moments with the older students, nothing could compare to the treasured memories the Pre-K and K students left us with. Their Potato, Color, Bean-bag and Late-for-school races had spectators mesmerized and screaming from the side lines at the top of their lungs. Let’s not forget, Cricket-ball-throw and the Relays. Who could forget the relays? Those little feet blazing around the track, all eyes on the finish line? Parents and Teachers played their part by demonstrating in the Parents and Teacher races that they are not only ‘tellers’ but ‘doers’ as well, they practiced what they preached. Well done!
There was not one student who did not participate in at least two events because as ‘OMOLOLU’ states -we are children of God, we will not be defined by any man-made limitations. An awareness of pride saturates the atmosphere; everyone felt a sense of accomplishment: ‘I did it’, declares the expression on the faces.
Now here we are, among all the exquisite gems one must stand out. “The winner is”, “the winner is”, the announcer repeated for the third time, “….The winner is Orange Tigers with 396 points”. Again, the screams and the chants of victory echoed and further intensified the jubilant competitors. White Wolves followed behind with 392 points and Blue Eagles in third position with 388 points.
Now together, we celebrate our successes as individuals, as a school and as a family while Blue Eagles and White Wolves secretly awaits 2015 in the hope of claiming the number one spot this year captured by Orange Tigers.
Omololu International School firmly believes that every child is unique and full of potential and through its holistic program of academics, the arts, music, languages and sports; OIS aims to guide each child to achieve his or her personal best and grow into an open-minded, supportive, well-grounded global citizen. For more information see us at www.omololuschool.org, call 1-264-497-5430 or follow us on Facebook.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)