The Primary Games is a sporting tournament involving a swimming gala, athletics competition, tee-ball tournament and a football tournament. Each school brings 6 teams, 3 boys and 3 girls in each team, aged from 9-U11. Although the event is competitive, and at a high standard, it is often referred to as the ‘friendly games’ as there is an emphasis on sportsmanship, fair play and enjoying competing.
The St Andrews School team in Taipei.
The students had been training hard for the event in all 4 disciplines involving swimming training before school, athletics, tee-ball, football and fitness training. Each student had to compete in every event. St. Andrews are very proud with their student’s achievements, as every single student received at least one medal, with some students receiving 12 medals!
Mattia is delighted with his collection of swimming medals.
The games opened with the swimming gala where the St. Andrews students performed superbly in the pool, and most of the relay teams finished in a medal position. The Y5 girl’s team came in gold position by nearly a length which is a fantastic achievement (thanks to Mr. LaMantia for the early morning training).
After a tiring morning in the pool, the students spent the afternoon at the Taipei Stadium playing Tee-ball (which is a variation of baseball and played in mixed teams). The St. Andrews Y4 & Y6 team both finished in the bronze position.
The second day of activities saw the athletics competition. Every student competed in running, throwing or jumping events. The day started with a fantastic 600m run by St. Andrews Caleb Truscott who took an early lead and held it for the entire race, with a winning smile, as he came in at the gold medal position. The day continued with a run of medals for St. Andrews; the Y6 boys relay team finished the day with the silver medal so they could all return to the hotel with smiles on their faces.
The final day of the competition involved the football tournament. The St. Andrews teams have all worked hard this year in training for this event and were delighted that 4 of the teams came in a medal position; and a special mention to the Y6 girls team who took the gold medal with no losses - a fantastic finish to a superb tournament.
A special thank you goes to the coaches for all of their tremendous work in making this an enjoyable and successful tournament; namely Mr. Minor, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Harrison & Mr. Cary.
Bam wins gold again.
Caleb leads from start to finish in the 600m race.
Jade, right, goes for gold in the 100m race.
