Theme: Commitment
Following on from the last few weeks about the theme of masculinity and fatherhood , the following story which some of you might remember is an unbelievable example of courage [ a core value] and incredible commitment [another core value] demonstrating that actions do speak louder than words
The 1989 Armenian earthquake needed only four minutes to flatten the nation and kill 30 000 people. Moments after the deadly tremor ceased, a father raced to an elementary school to save his son. When he arrived, he saw that the building had been levelled. Looking at the mass of stones and rubble, he remembered a promise he had made to his son: ‘No matter what happens, I will always be there for you.”
Driven by his own promise, he found the area closest to his son’s classroom and began to pull back the rocks. Other parents arrived and began sobbing for their children. ‘It’s too late ,’ they told the man. ‘You know they are dead. You can’t help them. ‘ Even a police officer encouraged him to give up.
But the father refused. For 8 hours, then 16, then 32, then 36, he dug! His hands were raw and his energy gone, but he refused to quit. Finally, after 38 wrenching hours, he pulled back a boulder and heard his son’s voice.
He called his boy’s name, ‘Arman! Arman!’ and a voice answered him, ‘Dad it’s me!’
Then the boy added these priceless words, ‘I told the other kids not to worry. I told them if you were alive, you would save me and when you saved me, they would be saved too. Because you promised, ‘No matter what, I’ll always be there for you.’
This father was a man of his word and was there for his son. His commitment demonstrated by his incredible courage and perseverance – a never say die attitude. Commitment is a College Core Value and also part of our College Credo where a College boy never gives up.
Your collective commitment to your studies was evident last year through lockdown and has continued through to April 2021 as you complete your common test programme this week.
You have demonstrated your commitment to sport and other co-curricular activities by the fact that many of you have continued to practise and train hard without competing against other schools for a very long time i.e over a year.
Incredible commitment has been further illustrated in the recent sporting events where players have literally fought to the bitter end and never given up in true College style. I think of all our 1st teams in basketball, cricket and waterpolo and the narrow losses that both basketball v Westville 61-60 and waterpolo v Glenwood 10-11 experienced at the death.
The 1st XI v Northwood were in a dire straits at 34/5 until we fought back by brave batting from Simelane 78 and brilliant bowling by McKean 7/17 to win the game for College.
I want to thank all the boys who have practiced and trained diligently and the coaches for their efforts keeping their players focused through the summer months.
As from today, we now move into our winter programme and we expect the same commitment to all these activities. Attend all practices and matches and give nothing but your best .
If you are dropped form a team or don’t make the team you think you should be in, DON’T GIVE UP but remain committed to prove the coaches had made an error of judgement and you are promoted and or reinstated.
“There are no shortcuts to success. Work smart, be patient, be consistent and never give up” ANONYMOUS
SPORT ACHIEVEMENT:
Athletics
Special mention of N Mosebi who won Gold and Bronze in u18 100m and 200m provincial championships.
Cricket
ALL cricket teams won their matches; 16 out of 16 – and well done to the 1st XI who have beaten Glenwood, Northwood and Westville in a period of 10 days Their game against Northwood deserves special mention as they were in big trouble at 34/5 before Simelane saved the day. Also McKean’s 7/17 was an incredible effort
Squash
Congratulations to the Top Junior and Senior who beat Westville 6-2 and 8 – 0 respectively
Shooting
Congratulations to C Vahey who was first in both Standing and 3P shooting
Basketball
Commiserations to the 1st Basketball team who came so close fighting back from being down by more than 10 points to leading in the final minute onto to lose in the final seconds
Certificates of Recognition:
Congratulations to all the following boys who have excelled on the sports field.
Athletics
N Mosebi Gold in U18 100m and Bronze in U18 200m at provincial championships
Cricket
1st XI – C McKean 7/17 vs Northwood 7/17
15A Mason 102* vs Westville
15C Goslett 118* vs Westville
Theme for the week: Be a team player!
“Sport can create hope where once there was only despair…” N Mandela
The following is a BEST SPEAKERS SPEECH from a recent Speakers Circle meeting by E Towani on the topic “ Not the we not the I’
I wish you all a good week.
Stay safe and healthy
Pro Aris et Focis