Splash or Sprint? The Big Question About Our Athletics Carnival in the Rain!

By Amanda Tsui

Rain or shine, Renaissance College’s Athletics Carnival, which happened on March 6th, 2025, was always one of the most exciting days at our school. But this year, there was a big question that everyone was talking about: Was it really safe to race and jump when the track was so wet and slippery?

After a few kids slid or fell, lots of students started to worry about their safety. The fun of the day turned a bit scary for some people, especially after what happened to Valerie during her 100-metre heat. Hebe Lam told us, “The track was so wet that my friend nearly slipped into another lane during the 100-metre heat. And due to her injury, she wasn’t able to do her best on the other activities.” That moment made a lot of us wonder if it was a good idea to keep going with the carnival when it was wet.

Of course, the teachers and staff were working hard to keep everyone safe. Ms. Li, one of the teachers on duty, explained, “We double-checked everything and reminded everyone how to stay safe, especially when the ground was slippery. And our first aid team was ready if anyone needed help.” Even though a few kids ended up with bumps and bruises, there weren’t any serious injuries, which was a relief for everyone.

Mr. Sherriff-SMITH, one of the PHE Administrators, said, “We only have one day a year to use the track. And if it gets cancelled then we don’t get to have the Athletics Carnival.” He explained that the staff felt it was safe enough to continue, as long as everyone was careful and followed the rules. Plus, he pointed out that even in the Olympics and other big sports events, athletes often have to compete in the rain, so a little drizzle just adds to the challenge.

But not everyone felt comfortable joining in. Some students decided not to participate because they thought it was too dangerous to run and jump in the slippery weather. “It just didn’t feel right to risk getting hurt for a race,” Zofie Wong. At the same time, there were plenty of kids who thought the rain made the carnival even more fun. Valerie Lai, who still joined some events, said, “It made the races feel like experiencing an adventure type of thing.” The rain made every event a little more unpredictable, which some people actually enjoyed.

Even though the rain made things risky, the carnival was still packed with energy and excitement. The field was full of students in their house colours, cheering loudly for their friends. There were all kinds of activities, from javelin and shot put to long jump and relay races. Some kids tried their best to break their personal records, while others just wanted to have fun and support their teammates. The rain didn’t stop the music or the announcer shouting out the next activities, and everyone was running around trying to cheer for their friends, but not go out too much on the balcony to the point they get soaked.

By the end of the day, it was clear that the carnival was about more than just winning medals. It was about having a good time, showing school spirit, and making memories with friends. “It’s all about having fun and making sure that everyone enjoys the day safely,” Zofie Wong said. Whether you loved the rain or wished for sunshine, nobody was going to forget the RCHK Athletics Carnival of 2025 anytime soon. The rain might have made things tricky, but it also made the day even more special for everyone who was there.