The glorious sun rose on Friday 17th February, 2012 illuminating the Harmony Hall recreation ground in warm yellow rays of light. The Harmony Hall Presbyterian School was about to commence its first ever Olympic Sports Day. This being the first stage in the school’s participation in the Olympic Values Education Programme (O.V.E.P); an initiative of the International Olympic Committee, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education through the Victoria Education District.
This being the first stage in the school’s Olympic Values Education Programme (O.V.E.P.) conceptualized by the International Olympic Committee, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education through the Victoria Education District.
The day was the culmination of weeks of organizing and planning by the Principal, Mrs. Joanne Nirmala Ramesar, Staff, pupils and parents of the school. All classes had previously selected their specific countries to represent and participate in our “Olympic” Fun Day. National flags, uniforms, mascots and even the languages of Germany, Japan, Greece and Australia just to name a few could be seen and heard at school. All teachers and pupils eagerly awaited this wonderful day.
Our “Olympic” Day began with a full Olympic ceremony complete with parade of Nations led by Greece with Trinidad and Tobago playing the host; Opening Declaration; Entry of Olympic flag and Anthem; Torch lap; Lighting of cauldron and even the release of the symbolic doves of Peace. Soon our events began with countries competing in archery, cycling, soccer, rifling, sailing, equestrian and even swimming events mirroring actual Olympic Events. All pupils were allowed to participate in teams against another country. Teachers, pupils and parents laughed, screamed and cheered on all athletes to compete in the true spirit of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Values of: Fair Play, Joy of Effort, Respect for Others, Pursuit of Excellence and Balance between Body, Will and Mind were clearly evident as athletes were encouraged to win, complete or assist others in their specific events.
When all was said and done all pupils were winners as gold medals adorned the necks of all who participated. Pupils and teachers smiled from ear to ear as they received the medals from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s representatives Ms. Nicole Fuentes and Ms. Rena Douglas.
Finally all countries joined together as one body for the closing ceremony and the very first Olympiad of the Harmony Hall Presbyterian was declared closed. What a spectacle as Brazilians embraced Russians, Canadians danced with Chinese and French athletes sang with the Italians. As our day drew to a close all pupils and parents left the venue smiling proudly as the golden medals glittered in the brilliant sunshine.
Wendell Devlin Ganga Persad