Sports Weekend - Belgium

At the end of June last year, 47 boys from 2nd and 3rd years set off on a Saturday morning for a "Sports Weekend" in Belgium. We went by coach from the school to Dover, then after a long hold up, crossed by ferry to Ostend and were met by our hosts form the St. Jozef's Institut in Torhout who took us by mini-buses to the town. Although we arrived late, the families were waiting to take us to their homes.

On Sunday morning, a coach took us from the school into Bruges, where we had a short tour of the city then some free time before going off for a picnic lunch at the "Grunport", a large pleasure park just on the outskirts of the city. In the afternoon, we went with the coach into Ostend. A few brave souls managed a short splash in the sea, but it was still too cold to enjoy either the water or the beach, and most of us either toured the souvenir shops or went zooming up and down the promenade in the pedal beach-buggies! Many near misses, but no accidents! Then back to the families for the evening, after Mass (then a go on the "Assault Course" in the School Gym).

Monday morning was the Sporting side of the visit - a Basketball team had a match in the school gym -losing by about 20 points in the end. The swimmers drew their match, and both football teams came in second! To finish the morning, everyone took part in a mass cross-country run won, as expected by Clive Gallagher. We had lunch in the school cafeteria, and before leaving for the boat, everyone was presented with a souvenir printed tile - specially designed for the visit. After a pleasant sea crossing we finally got back to Harrow about 1.00 in the morning.


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