An action-packed Sport Engagement Day saw parents, pupils and alumnae come together to celebrate sport, participation and the St Marys Calne community under glorious sunshine.
The morning focused on giving parents a hands-on experience of school sport. Parents stepped onto the courts and pitches to take part in netball, hockey, and lacrosse sessions, all led by our specialist coaches. All the game play proved to be highly competitive but with lots of fun and laughter. Parents finished the physical sessions having an experience of how hard their daughters work in training and how much they run in games.
A highlight of the day was a specialist session delivered by Olympian Charlie Brown. Parents had the opportunity to try their hand at shooting and fencing, gaining insight into the skills required for modern pentathlon under expert guidance.
Meanwhile, Fifth Form pupils enjoyed their own programme of enrichment, taking part in specialist dance workshops alongside fencing and shooting sessions, broadening their sporting experience.
The afternoon saw the annual inter-company lacrosse matches, with teams putting on a show of lacrosse and using some of the dance moves they had learnt earlier in their cheers.
This was followed by the much-anticipated alumnae v Seniors match, where former players returned to face the current team and leavers. Despite the school team taking an early lead, the experience of the alumnae squad – featuring players preparing for this summer’s Lacrosse World Cup – proved decisive. With quick ball movement and clinical finishing, the alumnae secured a convincing 10-4 victory in front of a cheering crowd of spectators.
1st Team captain, Baylee, said of the match ‘We put up a great fight against some of the current national team players and had some amazing goals. In the second half of the match, the Upper Sixth leavers played as a team which was a lovely way to end the lax season together. It was an unfortunate loss. However, it was really nice to play against old Calne girls who still love playing lacrosse.’
Overall, the day was a resounding success: a celebration of sport that brought together all parts of the school community. With a wide range of activities on offer, it was a memorable occasion for parents, pupils and alumnae alike.
Mr David Abini
Head of Lacrosse
