We had a fantastic evening at our fifth annual Sports Awards and Quiz Night. Our Year 8 sport journalist, Niamh, tells the story of a wonderful celebration of school sport.
As half six rolled around, we opened the doors to an outstanding amount of pupils from Years 7 to 11. Even though the heat was high the atmosphere was higher with tables back to back and not a single seat empty. As you walked through the door you saw the great tombola and raffle prizes with long lines of people waiting to buy tickets from the pupils who volunteered and prefects who put together this great night. All donations made on the night will go towards purchasing a new minibus. At the sports awards, we raised £1,500.
As everyone settled down to enjoy their drinks and maybe a box of chocolates won from the tombola, our wonderful PE staff who have contributed massively to the clubs and organised this memorable night, started the awards of players’ player and coach’s player for many sports such as football, netball, rounders, cricket, cross country, Gaelic football, basketball, tennis, rugby and badminton etc. They also added on a short but meaningful speech about the accomplishments of the team and individual, including how the individual impacted the team. Award winners then had a great picture taken in front of the gold 2025 balloons and decorations by student photographer Gracie.
After a few awards our newly chosen sport prefects, Anna and Finn, started their quiz which was puzzling everyone in the room; with the picture round challenging participants to identify the badges of football clubs where current or former CHCHS students are playing. But it was all worth it if you won getting to choose from great prizes. As the night moved on, many beautiful glass trophies were handed out. The final awards of the night were for the Coach of the Year – deservedly won by Mr Gaffey, and then the awards for Outstanding Contribution in each year group. With only one student per year being able to win, everyone’s fingers were crossed for their name to be up on the board and their name to be engraved on the plaque.
One of the highlights of the night was when the Year 11 netball captain (Emily) and vice (Sophie) delivered a very thoughtful and touching speech about their experiences playing netball at CHCHS and their amazing coach Miss Goode. Then finally the time came to draw the raffle for prizes ranging from signed football shirts to air fryers and overnight stays. But only a few could win and, as we finished the raffle, we opened the doors to say goodbye with everyone leaving with a participation certificate for sports, some with awards or prizes but – most importantly – great big smiles on everyone’s faces.
