After an enforced break of two years due to poor weather, and despite the forecast, we managed to stage our 2024 Sports Day on Tuesday 2nd July. It was a vibrant and energetic event, with Arrowsmith waving their flags, Haydock holding their banners aloft, and all the Clitherow staff dressed in resplendent blue, led by their own ‘Captain Clitherow’ – Head of House Mr Walton in a blue mask and cape.
The field events and long-distance running events had already taken place over the last few weeks and so only the sprint and middle-distance races were contested. There were some phenomenal performances and some closely-fought battles – with a few races only being decided on the line. Throughout the event, pupils from all houses supported not only their own athletes but their friends and classmates, with the virtues being embodied throughout.
The final events were the year group relays and finally a new event, the House Relay, which saw pupils from years 7, 8, 9 and 10 taking one leg each, and for this race double points were awarded.
When all the scores were totaled up, it was Arrowsmith who ended up victorious. Mr Chester’s house reclaimed the Sports Day Cup for the first time since 2021 with an excellent total of 563 points. Their third Sports Day triumph brings them level with Haydock with three victories apiece. It was not a runaway triumph, however, with Miss Caton’s Haydock (who won the last event two years ago) coming in a close second with 532 points. They may have been the best dressed with their own House superhero, but unfortunately Clitherow finshed in third place with a respectable 516 points.
We would like to thank Hitesh Patel, a parent who runs the Spar store in Knott End, who generously provided drinks for all competitors and spectators. This rehydration was invaluable!
Thank you to all pupils for their enthusiasm, energy and respectful participation and support, and to the PE department in particular for organising such an enjoyable and successful event.