FRBV24 PSLL Engage: perseverance Sports activity

The workshop was organized by a PE teacher as part of the itinerary of the hosting week in France ; physical exercise being essential for children's physical and mental health. First the PE teacher asked the students about the values of Olympism and what each really meant to them. After a few minutes of brainstorming about these values, he started explaining the rules of the game and the importance of respecting them. He organized a game of "Catch or Sit" to reinforce students' ability to catch and throw. Any number between six and 30 can play this fun game, in which the aim is to throw the ball at opponents in ways that force them to sit down. It is a “human-target” style game, but it was made appealing to everybody by regulating the speed at which the ball could be thrown, by using a soft-type ball, by limiting the target area on the students to the lower leg and by ensuring that students aren't singled out and "ganged up" on. Participants began to throw the ball at opposing players.  Players who were hit by the ball had to sit down. However, if they managed to catch a ball that was thrown at them, they were allowed to remain standing. Sitting players could grab a ball that rolled near them and throw it at a standing player.  If they hit someone, the ”stander” sat and the sitter stood.  The last player standing up won the game.

Although it was difficult for some students to accept and follow the rules, most of them had a great time and a lot of fun. They felt the joy of physical exercise, of sharing that experience together, of doing ones's best while taking up a challenge.  They communicated a lot, showing solidarity, enthusiasm, support, respect and endurance.