Track and field is something is not really something my high school did. Actually, with the amount schools are taking away play structures and anything "hazardous", it's almost amazing it exists at all. However, I'm glad to see it is in full swing out here. Students gave it their all in the recent regional track and field finals, participating in hurdles, short and long distance running, shot put, long jump, high jump, pole vault, javelin and much more. It requires major concentration, dedication, and of course, major lessons in safety. It's all extremely important, so I hope schools continue to honour the tradition of track and field.
If you happen to visit an elementary school, you'll see what I am talking about; no swings, teeter-totters, tire swings or wood play structures. The most common item you'll see is that (extremely boring) colourful bucket on top of a pole with four holes. You throw the ball up into it... Annnnnd it falls out of one of the holes.
Ooooo, which way will it go?! Sorry, kids, the fun goes away quickly when it has a 25 per cent chance of coming out of the one you stand under. Kids are often amused easily, but let's give them more credit than that. Give them a swing set.
© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region
5 comments:
where are the redhawks from??
Agreed!! Kids need to be able to play ... they've been doing it for centuries and only a few injuries have resulted. Give them a break!
Great shot, by the way. :)
Nick: the Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute RedHawks. (Almost a tongue twister.)
Thanks, Cheryl. I actually watched the change in my own elementary school's playground. When I was there, we had a big swing set, a small one, oldschool playstructure with the tire swing, teeter-totters, those half-dome climbing things, monkey bars, etc.
Piece by piece, they were all taken away over time.
All of those are gone. Now, there is that bucket on a pole, and a VERY small, plastic playstructure.
So sad, really. Plus, the school's don't have the money to invest in more soccer balls, basketballs, etc.
Sad, indeed...
DARSON
That bucket on a pole is like a giant, leaky, ball-in-the-cup! C'mon, what could be funner?
It's like... A ball in a cup!
What could be more fun than a BALL IN A CUP?!
Ha ha ha ha. I just laughed out loud at my desk and I got funny looks from my co-workers.
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