Ping-Pong with a Purpose
The atmosphere was electric as the teams faced off against each other in the ping-pong tournament at Wawota Parkland School on Thursday Apr. 14. There were two categories of participants, the grade 7-9 players, and the "older folks" from grade 10 through to adults. From the first serve of the evening, it was clear that people were playing to win!
For well over an hour, the teams battled their way through to success or elimination. There were screams of laughter, shouts of happiness, and the slapping of hands as winners celebrated their advancement to the next level. Most of the players were dressed casually, but at least two teachers (who shall remain nameless at their request) sported multi-coloured shirts and crash helmets, not that such fancy attire brought them better luck!
Eventually the finals were played in each category, and the winners demonstrated their superior skill, much to their increasing joy. There were prizes to be awarded, photographs to be taken, and the much-appreciated recognition that comes from the act of winning. It was indeed a fun event, fully enjoyed by everyone present.
There was also a serious side to all of this hilarity. It started with the identification of forty developmental assets by the school division, with one category of those assets being entitled "Constructive use of time." The broadsheet explains the motivation behind the category in this way. "Young people need opportunities - outside of school - to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults."
When the Wawota School Community Council saw this, they sat around the table and started coming up with potential ways to address this goal. The result of their thinking was the ping-pong tournament, bringing together students, teachers and members of the community in a positive and empowering event.
Local businesses became involved also, with cash prizes, gift certificates, iTunes cards and other items coming from Conexus Credit Union, Downunders Salon, the C-store and the Village Inn.
At the end of the event, school Principal, Mr. Jos Risling, asked the attendees if they'd like to do this again, the reply was a very loud and healthy "Yes."
The event certainly appears to have met its intended goals. It was great to see the extent of the community involvement, and the degree to which teachers and students were able to interact in a social atmosphere. Mr. Risling is quick to attribute the success to the members of the SCC, who demonstrated their personal and professional commitment to excellence in putting it all together. It was indeed a constructive use of time for everyone involved.
