Scarborough’s Lester B. Pearson Colligate Institute hosted the Grades 7 and 8 ‘Fun In Athletics’ Competition on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. We had our regular reliable crew of Pearson helpers, who assisted in making the event, run smoothly. Four zealous grade 7/8 teams came out to compete from Fleming, Thomas L. Wells, Mary Shadd, and Henry Hudson on Wednesday, and they brought their enthusiasm and talent along with them. Henry Hudson was a first timer to the FIA Competition, but they did not let that hold them back. Even with a team of only 19 competitors, Henry Hudson came out to perform and contend against some of FIA’s finest teams. Getting off to an early start was Mary Shadd, leading the running events on both the boys and girls side of the competition. As the screams of excitement blasted for the running events, the field events were quietly underway, with each student jumping and throwing as best as they could.
The final race of the competition was the Medley, consisting of 7 cumulative laps being run by 4 athletes in a sequence of 3 laps, 2 laps, 1 lap and 1 lap. Students had to dig deep to pull out that last bit of endurance to finish off the competition. Motivating cheers came from the onlookers as well as from the coaches sitting with the competitors instructing them on when to exchange the baton. Finishes were extremely close on both the girl’s side and the boy’s side.
As they gathered for the results, coaches and students were excited to hear their outcomes. Scores were tallied quickly to
satisfy the anticipation. The final results for the team competition were Thomas L. Wells taking 4th place with a total of 682 points, Fleming taking 3rd place with a score of 702 points, Henry Hudson coming in a close 2nd with a total of 764 point and Mary Shadd scored an impressive 780 points to win the event. Students and coaches were ecstatic to receive their certificates and plaques for their effort. As the event wrapped up and “congratulations” and “thank yous” were exchanged we were pleased to hear Fleming’s Coach say that, “it was a pleasure to participate as usual. The kids always have fun.”