Maria Bertelli
Today we held our Sports Day at school. Unlike last year, when it was postponed three times and never actually took place, the weather was kind and it was completed in dry, reasonably warm weather.
Despite me organising the day it went very well. I'm pleased to say that these days the " non-competitive sports day " is pretty much a thing of the past. There were competitive races and events with clear winners. We finished with some relay races which for me are a real highlight as it needs team work and there's excitement right to the finish.
The top performing girl and boy in each year group were duly acknowledged by receiving a certificate of acknowledge. The winning country received the trophy. A great day in which there were some top quality performances from many children in a competitive yet sporting atmosphere.
When you children and parents alike enjoying themselves so much it gives you a real lift and I feel privileged to do the job I do.
We were supported today by students from the local secondary school all of whom bar one used to attend our primary school. It was great to see them again, to hear how well they're doing and watch them interact and encourage our kids. Almost to a man or girl they are all involved in one sport or another with a few at a very high level.
The day was greatly enhanced by the presence of our guest of honour, Maria Bertelli, pictured above. You may recognise her from the Olympics as she played in Team GB's Womens Volleyball Team. More likely though given our love of CAFC you may recall her as a player from the Charlton Womens team that was so successful prior to the mens relegation from the Premier League and the subsequent disgraceful decision to close down the ladies team.
Maria was excellent today spending loads of time with kids, demonstrating some volleyball and generally inspiring the children. Aside from that she was a really nice person much as you'd guess from someone with Charlton connections ! I really hope that manages to achieve her latest aim of representing Team GB in Rio.
Days like to today are wonderfully uplifting and inspiring and serve to remind you that contrary to what the popular press would have you believe kids of today love competing in sport. In addition, the older ones were superb in supporting and encouraging the younger ones.
For the record Australia won but you probably guessed that from the title of this piece.
