They also say that second place is just the first place loser
Or that winning isn't everything but it beats anything in second place.
Or even "There is no such thing as second place. Either you're first or you're nothing."
It seems to me that in the past two weeks we have been sending very bad messages to our future sports people.
At school there is such a big emphasis on taking part.We tell kids participation is important and if at first you don't succeed try, try again.
But kids are not blind nor are they stupid. They see the national gnashing of teeth and the sometimes quite vile name calling when our elite sports people don't win. It's all quite unbecoming.
But I'm pleased to see that at a local level kids can still enjoy getting out and having a go.
I went to my niece Cleo's Under 11 netball preliminary final this morning. The Redbacks played beautifully and as you can see from the photo above winners are grinners.
But in the true spirit of the game, the girls all lines up and shook hands and congratulated their opponents and thanked the officials. Three cheers for that.
So lovely so see the girls really enjoying sport. Thanks for linking up a fantastic photo as always!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant and it does seem sad that there has been so much angst caused by these games for other countries! I know that countries spend money getting athletes to the Olympics but the clue is in the title 'games'.
ReplyDeletewhat great sports!!! i love the happy smiles on the winners face such elation! but the last photo of them all shaking hands is wonderful because it shows the true meaning of taking part x
ReplyDeleteps. i started a linky on friday and the theme this week is sport and this would fit in perfectly if you fancied linking up?? no pressure though x
http://mummymishaps.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/flashback-friday-sport.html
Done. I'm very impressed so many people are launching into linkys (although I don't think I have the energy myself)
DeleteI a, co hosting this one from someone who is about to have a baby so we are on maternity cover I guess! Thank you for linking up :)
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I used to play netball for my county. A great team sport and we would always cheer the winner too x
ReplyDeleteGood work girls at showing good sportsmanship. In Britain we've been quite graceful about our athletes positions, actually getting cross with them for being upset about 'only a bronze or silver'. That still means second or third best in the world!,
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up
A wonderful photo. So good to see girls leading on making sports fun and accessible. A great narrative to accompany it- it's such a difficult balance but to create a platform for everyone to enjoy themselves has to be the focus.
ReplyDeleteSuch brilliant and important images I think. I agree that there is too much emphasis on winning or losing which completely takes the fun element out of sport.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with Flashback Friday.
Hmm these girls seem very familiar to me.... Oh wait that's my team!!!
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