Before the heavens opened up on what turned out to be one of Perth’s stormiest days, children in the Lower Chittering enjoyed a half-day of sporting prowess at the Immaculate Heart College Mini-Olympic Athletics Carnival on September 21.
As the London Olympics came to a close, IHC’s Mini-Olympics started to take shape, culminating in a fun-filled morning, book-ended with tradition.
It included a unique Olympic Torch Relay around the perimeter of the college oval, accompanied by the original musical composition and lyrics.
The Torch Relay was followed by the Australian National Anthem, a blessing from parish priest, Fr Paul Fox, and a welcome by the Principal Dr Evangelinou-Yiannakis, in the traditional and official language of the Olympic Games – French – in honour of Pierre de Coubertin who revived the Olympic Games in 1896 (referred to commonly as the Modern
Olympics in contrast to the Ancient Olympic Games which began in 776 BC).
The welcome was also said in English and Modern Greek.
The Athletic events included individual running races, team games (Tunnel Ball and Around the World), tabloid games (two stations), and relay races, all involving students from Kindergarten to Year 3.
Spaced throughout the morning, the oval was awash with colour from the Factions (Fortitude, Justice, Prudence and Temperance), and this was not only from the students.
A number of eager parents chose to wear their child’s faction colours, adding to the carnival atmosphere. Tradition also closed the event with a crowning ceremony for all of IHC’s athletes.
Each child was crowned by the Principal with a laurel wreath (made out of olive branches), keeping to ancient Olympic tradition.
And while the faction points and winning faction were announced, the key motto of the day prevailed: “Everyone’s a winner, Babe, that’s for sure!”
The day ran smoothly, aided by the Principal’s commentary as the MC and the efforts of staff and parent volunteers.
The IHC P&F Association Executive and Committee members provided additional atmosphere with morning tea and a very successful family barbeque at the conclusion of the carnival.
Many families took advantage of this time to be with their children and to talk with other parents and staff, filling the paved courtyard of the college to capacity.
Principal Dr Evangelinou-Yiannakis reserved her “biggest thanks [for] the students who conducted themselves in a truly professional manner, displaying excellent sportsmanship qualities whilst having a great time”.