Blue, blue, God loves you! Yellow, yellow, you kiss a fellow! Red, red, you pee your bed! Green, green, *cough*. Yes, it’s the season of Sports Days.

From the onset of second term, the streets of St Johns are regularly lit up by students in multicoloured skirts, shirts and pom-poms, representing their house colours.

After returning to school from Christmas vacation, Sports Day is normally the next mark on our calendar.

The naturally gifted begin to boast, while the hard-working athletes up their level of training. Even spectators prep their vocal chords to make excited shouts and shrieks from YASCO and school yards that will travel far.

Of course, a few students will opt to stay home and loaf but the rest are ready to roll.

Their excitement is understandable because this day is no joke. It is then that dreams are made and sweat is rewarded. Young people push their bodies to the extremes, fighting for gold, as Antigua’s potential Olympians.

This day also offers redemption for poor grades and a boost to low morale. Anyone who finds academics challenging can literally shine, adorned with polished medals.

Leading up to the grand occasion, outdoor lessons replace classroom sessions but they are equally important. Through sprinting, cheerleading, football, basketball or lime and spoon, we learn the value of teamwork, focus and determination.

The fun, free and music-filled atmosphere is a bonus too. Students, teachers and parents bond under the stress-free setting, through discussions on whose house is better, the cruelty of the cursed sun and the unfairness of the judges.

All in all, Sports Day is an irreplaceable moment in school history. Nonetheless, it should not be taken too seriously. The entire experience is worth more than one trophy. Michael Jordan said it best, “Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”

Tell us what you think. Log on to Facebook, like the page ‘Teen Talk in Antigua’ and leave a comment or message about your Sports Day experience.