Swimming GALA: more than just a sporting event
A favourite celebration at The International School of Paphos The 25-metre indoor swimming pool is the pride of The International School of Paphos. The school year hasn’t even begun yet, but the pupils are already looking forward to their first short break, which coincides with the Greek national holiday ‘Ohi Day’. The Mediterranean sun is […]
A favourite celebration at The International School of Paphos
The 25-metre indoor swimming pool is the pride of The International School of Paphos. The school year hasn’t even begun yet, but the pupils are already looking forward to their first short break, which coincides with the Greek national holiday ‘Ohi Day’. The Mediterranean sun is now warm and gentle, and the rain clouds have yet to make an appearance in the Cypriot sky: the perfect time for a fun-filled sports day! On this fine day, the windows of the sports centre are thrown wide open, and some parents have taken their places ‘in the front row’ – by the windowsill. Caring mums make their way up to the stands, where their beloved children are waiting for their turn.
It’s very noisy here 
today! The referee’s whistle, the splash of water and shouts of encouragement for their mates – it all blends together into a joyful cacophony. Pupils in Years 3 to 6 are swimming the 25-metre distance: on their backs and on their stomachs with a kickboard, and freestyle… There’ll be no lessons today; the children will spend the whole day in the pool: there’ll be time not only to compete, but also to run about and have a bit of fun with their classmates, and parents will be able to make new friends and chat with the teachers, who never miss this fun-filled celebration.
The final relay race! School ‘houses’ or clubs are competing (all pupils are divided into four groups – ‘clubs’ – which is vaguely reminiscent of the magical ‘Hogwarts’). It’s not just the pupils who are divided into clubs, but the teachers too, and they cheer on their teams with all their hearts! And finally, the grand finale – the prize-giving ceremony. In the hope of stepping onto the podium, many children attend sports clubs and take swimming lessons all year round. Cyprus offers a unique opportunity to practise sport in the open air. Some may shed a quiet tear: the coveted medal went to a stronger opponent, but overall there are no losers here: strength, health and good spirits are the real winners! School website