What a week it was for our boarders as they celebrated National Boarding Week in a variety of ways. From laser tag to movie night to a ‘taste the world’ boarders’ tea, there was something for everyone to enjoy and it was the much-loved annual Boarders’ Games provided the perfect finale to the week.
The boy-led event, now in its third year, saw boys battle against each other on the Inky Pitch in a series of games, which are as silly as they are competitive, for the coveted Boarders’ Games House trophy. There was a game for everyone to excel in, no matter how old, how strong or how athletic they were. Games ranged from a penalty shootout to musical chairs, a Rubik’s Cube race to a water balloon catch, and there was even a cream cracker-eating competition! Of course, the traditional games of sack racing and the good old egg and spoon race were also included.
The event was originally planned for the Thursday evening, however, due to torrential rain, the games were postponed until Friday evening. Mr Matt Gracie was compere and commentator for the event and offered the boys plenty of encouragement and motivation throughout.
After a lot of fun was had, it was Burnaby House who were finally crowned victors of Boarders’ Games 2023 and sported their winning medals and trophy proudly.
James Hinkins, Housemaster of Burnaby said, “Although the boarding community is strong, there aren’t too many opportunities for all our boarders to come together and have a great time. However, the boarders’ games provides just that; it’s a fantastic event to round up the year. The Burnaby boys were thrilled to have won the games and lift the trophy. Many of them joined the school in September and have grown very close over the last ten months. There’s a great culture in the house and this was evident in the way they conducted themselves at the games.”
The week, which is a national initiative run by the Boarding Schools Association, helps raise awareness of the many benefits of boarding and celebrates the important role that the boarding community plays in the wider ethos of the school.
