On a more positive note from my last blog (I will not be sharing the comments I received from both religious and non-religious individuals about the content), the tournament was a resounding success on Saturday. There were three particular highlights that stood out for me:

1. Speaking to old boys and girls who were returning to support their former schools, including their younger brothers and sisters. They were so enthusiastic about their experiences both on SIA programmes in general and at the previous tournaments and were clearly itching to take part themselves. The peer leaders and site coordinators also really enjoyed having their former students back to support.

2. Meeting some of the parents of the boys and girls taking part in the tournament this time. They all described the positive changes they had seen in their children by taking part in the SIA programmes, from improved confidence levels to greater bonding with their fellow students. They also laughed about how difficult it had been to get their children to go to bed the night before with the excitement of taking part in the tournament the next day!

3. Getting to meet the younger brothers and sisters of the players, who were there to support their siblings and schools and hope to play in years to come, the getting to paint their faces in various ways in the colours of their teams – see the photo below. I will not be sharing the somewhat less than flattering doodle that ended up on my face after this photo was taken!

Posted in 2013

Published by Mark Scholey

After a successful fourteen year career in business, predominantly in the business of sport, I retrained as a teacher. I am currently a Head of Prep and Vice-Chair of a Multi Academy Trust. As a hard working and ambitious person with a passion for learning, I love working with and leading children and staff. I use my experiences and skills to inspire and ensure the academic, extra-curricular and pastoral development of each individual.

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