Sports at Presentation

March Past Sports Day 1994

Members of Bede House, Overall Winners 1958

Ready, Set, Go...,1963

Ian Mitchell, winning the 100yds Championship,1996

Anthony Lucky receives the Victor Lundorum Trophy from Mrs. Gerald Montano, 1957

St Augustine House, 1998 Sports Day

St. George House, Sports Day 1998

Sporting activities have always been an integral part of the curriculum at Presentation College San Fernando in keeping with the philosophy of total development of the individual. This is reflected in the diversity of physical activities available on the compound. The College already boasts of two playing fields, a basketball court, two lawn tennis courts, a squash court, a badminton court, cricket practice pitches and will soon have access to a Swimming Pool on the compound. The successes here, as elsewhere, reflect the great wealth of talent that is the student body and staff of this remarkable institution. It is not an unfamiliar sight to see Staff and students alike utilising the many facilities available or engaging in friendly competition outside of the classroom. Football and cricket remain the two most popular sports in the College as they are in the country. However, each discipline has its own following and its own individuals who have risen to exceptional heights to represent both the College and Trinidad and Tobago in Regional and International competitions. Some disciplines, such as hockey, have faded due to a lack of staff and student involvement; conversely, others such as road racing and track and field are making a comeback under the guidance and inspiration of track and field enthusiasts on staff and the shifting of the Annual Sports Day to Guaracara Park.

Special thanks must be given to the many coaches, teachers and sponsors for giving so generously of their time and talents in making sporting activities at Presentation College,San Fernando what it is, a truly unforgettable and rewarding experience.

REFLECTIONS ON SPORTS DAY
Dr. Leo Bertley
(Excerpt from "This Noble Apostolic Work: The Presentation Brothers in the Caribbean)

"It was during Bro. Kelly's administration that the House System was introduced to the College. It formed the structure for the organization of the student body for purposes of sports, games and other such activities. It developed a keen sense of competition while, at the same time, promoting team work and loyalty to a group. Each student belonged to one of seven Houses, each of which, appropriately enough, was named after a prominent saint. They were St Andrews, St. Augustine, St Barnabas, St Bede, St. Finbar, St Gregory, and St Winifred. Each House had its own distinctive colours, and it is difficult to exaggerate the sense of pride that each student felt when wearing the colours of his House.

With the House System as its base, a very successful intra-college league was established, both for football and cricket, in which the various teams competed with enthusiasm. Based on their performances during these matches, players were selected to play on the College teams. It is no coincidence that, once this objective system was firmly in place, the College teams improved their performances remarkably, to the point of winning the Cutteridge Cup, the Cow and Gate Cup, and the Neal and Massy Trophy, all emblems of supremacy in college football ranks.

It was during the annual Sports Day that the House System showed the greatest advantage. The competition for the cycling and athletic championship of the College was always keen, but it was during the March Past of the Houses that the students really expressed the great pride that they took in their respective Houses. For this event, they were splendidly dressed in College uniform which consisted of blue blazer trimmed with white, with an embroidered monogram bearing the letters "PC" prominently placed on the left top pocket. Completing the uniform were a white shirt and slacks (pants) of the same colour. With flag bearer in front, the members of each House marched, as perfectly as possible, around the playing field and before the judges on the reviewing stand. As parents, friends and dignitaries from both Church and State were in attendance, one did everything to make one's House emerge victorious."