A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about school sports and their positive effects on schools. Sports can create school spirit, develop role models, and create a community.
My dad sent me an article about my Alma Mata Norman Henshilwood (commonly known as Normies to pupils past and present) and their recent victory in the Freedom Cup Football Tournament in Wynberg.
The tournament saw schools from the Western Cape and Eastern Cape with traditional powerhouse rugby schools, Rondebosch Boys, Bishops, and Wynberg Boys, all participating.
After reading the above, I looked up Normies on Facebook and found that the school had many successful sporting results across various sporting codes.
From Athletics, Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Chess, and Karate, the school has seen promising results, with some athletes achieving provincial and national honors.
As a former pupil at the school, I was thrilled to see the positive effect sport has had on the school. Sport allows students to develop social, leadership, and management skills and also to learn the importance of teamwork.
Speaking for myself, when I sit back and think of my school days at Normies, sports didn't form part of the culture and identity of the school.
Don't get me wrong; we had talented athletes across all sporting codes, from swimming, cricket, rugby, athletics, ice skating, and gymnastics, and I wonder why there wasn't a strong sporting culture at the school as there is today.
Reflecting on articles like the one above and witnessing the achievements of Normies athletes on social media fills me with joy and a deep sense of pride in my Alma Mater.
It's a testament to the growing strength of our sporting identity and culture.
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