Story Contest 2017 #2 - Outstanding Stories (Junior) » A Sports Day

“A Sports Day” is one of the outstanding stories of the second biannual International Short Story Contest 2017 written by Pachipala Aishwarya, Singapore.

A Sports Day

Sports are very important for developing a healthy and strong body. Sports play a great role in improving and maintaining the health and fitness throughout in human lives, improving mental skills and concentration level.

Most schools arrange for ‘Annual Sports Day’. The annual sports day of our school is held on 8th August. On this occasion, our school buildings and surroundings are beautifully festooned with decorative banners designed by the different classes. The Member of Parliament is the guest-of-honour. He hoists the national flag with the national anthem and declares the sports meet open by freeing the pigeon into the sky.

Generally a year of preparation precedes the day. A month prior to this event, all the children are divided into four houses and respective sports group such as primary classes and secondary classes.

It was a marvellous Monday morning and it was sports day. The sky was dyed a bright cerulean and puffy white clouds drifted by every now and then. Despite being in that lovely surrounding, I had butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I faced the huge crowd of sports enthusiast cheering on top of their lungs in the sports arena. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead.

Heart thumping music and laughter filled the air as parents and students mingled about looking for the best seats. I trained hard the whole year just for this moment. I was extremely determined to win the track and field championship this year. The winner’s trophy was just within reach.

At the corner of my eye, I spotted a few booths that had been organised for people who wanted some snacks and a few volunteers were ushering the pupils taking part in the gunny sack race. Finally, the speaker uttered under his breathe, for all pupils who are taking part in the track and field championship to take their positions.

Stepping into position I wiped my sweaty palms on my school shorts and got ready. Shouts of encouragements could be heard coming from the grandstand. I knew my parents were there rooting for me. I would not let them down.

With my heart thumping fiercely against my chest like African drums and cold sweat trickling down my forehead, I waited tensely at the starting line. Bang! The sound of the gunshot signalled the start of the race. Runners sprinted down the track as fast as their legs could carry them. Each and every runner competed very aggressively including me.

Out of the blue, I lacked of confidence and took in deep refreshing air. My fitness level was not quit what it used to be. I immediately slowed down to a snail’s pace. I was perspiring profusely. The cheering from my supporters gave me feet wings and I sprinted with a new burst of energy. I crossed the finishing line first and won the race.

My house was over the moon and they squealed in delight “Hurray! We are the champions!” Grinning from ear to ear I accepted the gleaming trophy from the guest-of –honour. All the winning athletes held up their trophies and jumped with joy. My parents beamed with pride at my achievement. Hard work certainly pays off as I received congratulatory handshakes from the guest-of-honour and all my friends.

Well, all good things come to an end. I thanked all my coaches and teachers who had trained me very hard and made me achieve this graceful moment. I returned home with a broad smile plastered on my face. I decided to participate in more sports competitions like this in future.

Through sports day, I learnt the importance of selfless teamwork and sportsmanship. In addition, I learnt that sportsmanship is a style and an attitude. It can have a positive influence on everyone around me. This was a memorable and red letter day that would be etched in my mind forever.