Yesterday was the school sports day at the kid's school and therefore the first sports day that I have had the chance to go to and be a parent. It was a time, therefore, for comparisons.
Now, those of you who know me, know that I was born without a sport gene. Football means very little (even though will claim Manchester United as my team of choice) and Rugby even less. Grandstand was a time to go out and play and the theme for Match of the Day actually makes my flesh creep even now.
I now think I have discovered why. It wasn't ever a lack of sport gene, it was that my sport gene was in the hands of the wrong 'Miss'.
At my children's school (a wonderful place) they have sports coaches who come in and lead physical education. Those coaches were present yesterday and were largely responsible for administering a good and orderly sports day where the little ones balanced eggs on spoons, be-doinged in sacks, balanced bean-bags abonce and bolted between batons. My own two darted like mighty atoms and did so with aplomb - and a smile. The thing is, Mrs Acular is as sporty as me, so why weren't my children scowling like I used to when forced to wear shorts in public? I think the answer is in the way they are taught.
My teachers were good teachers and even despite my tender age, they were teachers best described as older. They were the ones, at primary school, who had to be experts in ritting and drawing and counting and evryfing - and also games. I shan't ever forget seeing one old lady (the very dear and now departed Miss Durnford) trying to run to keep up with us sprogs in a game of rounders. I seem to remember that we all got the giggles, her too. Nowadays, around here anyway, 'Miss' doesn't do games. Specialist coaches come in instead.
I often think (and without any disrespect to Miss Durnford or anyone else who taught me) that I wish I were a child now. Playgrounds are different - adventuring places. PE is taught by games-type people. Chalk and back-painted boards are now replaced by smart-boards where the world comes alive for the children who gather round. Kids do gardening and the like - I didn't. I seem to remember that we drew lots and lots. My education was very average in the earlier stages and not one other person who was in my school year in primary school got a degree of any sort. I think I would have done better had I been educated today, not that I did too bad as it was.
I went to school in the 50's and 60's. We had compulsory sports and PE, which were taken in the main, by Ex-Army instructors. Their attitude was do it or else. I believe that this turned me away from competitive sports for a few years.
ReplyDeleteIn the Army, as I gained physical fitness, I discovered the beauty of running, and managed to compete reasonably succesfully as an individual in athletics competitions and cross country. Even later, I discovered Hockey, and found that I could be a moderately good player - even winning some medals. Eventually I won a coveted badge as Unit Sportsman of the Year.
I ended my career as a Hockey Umpire and continued running into my mid 50's, competing in veterans events. Sadly, my previous medical history caught up with me than (permanently slipped discs) and I had to cease running as it was making my condition worse.
Now, I'm an armchair spectator of Hockey and Athletics, but not much more.
I can't thank my school(s) for my sporting prowess, it was being in an environment where sport was not only a form of recreation, but contributed to team building and unit cohesion - the Army.
Excellent blog young man, you do make me smile.
ReplyDeleteDid you enter the dad's race? My girls have a specialists over here for sports but not that often back in the UK. However young Aris is still like me & runs like Phoebe Buffay in Friends - far more joy that style :-)
I too wish I could go back and enjoy the new colourful educational world they inhabit.......then I remember the exams!!!