12th April
Sam's speech:
Track and Field Team'09
To my dearest Track and Field team, I pen the following heartfelt words
The past months have been a very trying time for all of us; innumerable trials to overcome, the myriad barriers that constantly seek to put us down, and the countless expectations to live up to. It was not an easy endeavor; no one ever said that it would be so. Often a bed of roses, Track and Field is, to the unwitting observer who perceives our achievements and accolades as granted. But little did he know about the thorns that lie inconspicuously among the shrubs.
Throughout the past few months I have seen you climb your way up the ‘bed of roses’ that Track and Field is; albeit some not being as steady as others. Some, not as fast. The passion and determination that you so ardently display in this climb is truly commendable. That being said, it is not how quickly or steadily you climb that truly matters, but how you have grown through it all.
Your experiences, be it disconsolate or heartening, would have contributed positively to your personal growth. Some of us may have gotten injured, or regret neglecting trainings due to our other commitments, but it is through these painful experiences that we learn how to do it right the next time round. On the other hand, some of us may have experienced vast improvements in trainings and are ambitiously waiting to take the centre stage at the national’s. It is through these positive experiences that you reflect; remembering the taste of success and striving to out-do yourself again.
We have all emerged from the past few months as stronger individuals; for what does not kill us only serve to make us stronger. It is now time for us to display what we’ve been training so hard for at the national’s. It is the final lap which the past generations of elites before us have run. The baton is now in our hands.
As you run your races, throw your implements, and jump your… jumps (lol) ahead, I urge you to do so with the camaraderie of the team in mind. As we go through this challenge together, we often need to depend on one another for the support and encouragement that we so essentially require. I urge you too, to be proactive in offering these words of care and concern to your teammates running this long race with you. Appreciate and reciprocate the sincerity of your comrades and pass this kindness on.
Please bear with me while I reiterate once again the significance of this legacy upon us. The Track and Field team was never an ‘overnight success’. Our present achievements and success are largely due to the generations of seniors before us; whose dedication, commitment and passion created the illustrious history that we so proudly boast about today. Will we continue this tradition of excellence that our juniors many years down the road will fondly embrace and honorably promote? I believe the answer is in your hands.
As you spread your wings and take flight in the coming two weeks, I wish you the strength to beat the giants in your lives, the fortitude to overcome the trials that await, the perseverance and will of mind to win. Remembering the outcome is not important; for that is easily documented in pen and paper. Aim instead to remember the process; because it is the intangible experiences that are truly important.
It starts on Monday. The entire school’s behind us; cheering, supporting and watching…
We will do them proud.
Yours,
Sam
The past months have been a very trying time for all of us; innumerable trials to overcome, the myriad barriers that constantly seek to put us down, and the countless expectations to live up to. It was not an easy endeavor; no one ever said that it would be so. Often a bed of roses, Track and Field is, to the unwitting observer who perceives our achievements and accolades as granted. But little did he know about the thorns that lie inconspicuously among the shrubs.
Throughout the past few months I have seen you climb your way up the ‘bed of roses’ that Track and Field is; albeit some not being as steady as others. Some, not as fast. The passion and determination that you so ardently display in this climb is truly commendable. That being said, it is not how quickly or steadily you climb that truly matters, but how you have grown through it all.
Your experiences, be it disconsolate or heartening, would have contributed positively to your personal growth. Some of us may have gotten injured, or regret neglecting trainings due to our other commitments, but it is through these painful experiences that we learn how to do it right the next time round. On the other hand, some of us may have experienced vast improvements in trainings and are ambitiously waiting to take the centre stage at the national’s. It is through these positive experiences that you reflect; remembering the taste of success and striving to out-do yourself again.
We have all emerged from the past few months as stronger individuals; for what does not kill us only serve to make us stronger. It is now time for us to display what we’ve been training so hard for at the national’s. It is the final lap which the past generations of elites before us have run. The baton is now in our hands.
As you run your races, throw your implements, and jump your… jumps (lol) ahead, I urge you to do so with the camaraderie of the team in mind. As we go through this challenge together, we often need to depend on one another for the support and encouragement that we so essentially require. I urge you too, to be proactive in offering these words of care and concern to your teammates running this long race with you. Appreciate and reciprocate the sincerity of your comrades and pass this kindness on.
Please bear with me while I reiterate once again the significance of this legacy upon us. The Track and Field team was never an ‘overnight success’. Our present achievements and success are largely due to the generations of seniors before us; whose dedication, commitment and passion created the illustrious history that we so proudly boast about today. Will we continue this tradition of excellence that our juniors many years down the road will fondly embrace and honorably promote? I believe the answer is in your hands.
As you spread your wings and take flight in the coming two weeks, I wish you the strength to beat the giants in your lives, the fortitude to overcome the trials that await, the perseverance and will of mind to win. Remembering the outcome is not important; for that is easily documented in pen and paper. Aim instead to remember the process; because it is the intangible experiences that are truly important.
It starts on Monday. The entire school’s behind us; cheering, supporting and watching…
We will do them proud.
Yours,
Sam
Best speech ever. Sam, you should really try running for presidency next time.
Tomorrow is the 3km heats. I must qualify. I know i can. let's do it.
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