Track Team Participates in Pre-Season Training in Hawaii
Over March Break, 12 members of the CDS Track team, along with Ms. Steadman and Ms. Winterink, embarked on a 10-day adventure to the island of Oahu. The main purpose of the trip was to give students a head start on training outdoors in preparation for their upcoming track season.
“On the first day, we set off bright and early for the Grand Circle Island Tour. On this tour, we travelled around the whole island of Oahu and got a small glimpse into many of the hotspots. A few of the highlights from this tour were Hanauma Bay, the Macadamia nut factory and the Dole Plantation. Overall, this tour was really fun and a great way to get to see a great deal of the island in a short period of time.” (Allison Simpson)
Back
On Monday afternoon, we headed to Radford High School for training. As their 130-member Track team walked to the track, our team was initially intimidated, but quickly learned that our hosts were welcoming, courteous and hard-working. On event training days, students would break off into specific training groups.
Our athletes appreciated the feedback that they received from either Coach Elizabeth, Coach Ty or Coach Sid. As coaches, we are very thankful to Coach Elizabeth Patton who was responsible for coordinating our training and the opportunity for our athletes to compete. On our last day of practice, we were each presented with a Radford t-shirt and our athletes presented all of the Radford coaches with a thank you gift.
A must in Hawaii is to attend a luau and go surfing. At the luau we were entertained and taught about the Hawaiian culture through dance, song and authentic Hawaiian food. Those students who surfed in the mornings eventually learned how to successfully ride the waves at Waikiki Beach.
After a week of training we headed to Waipahu High School to compete against other Hawaiian high school students. The CDS team engaged in many conversations as word spread that we were from Canada. CDS athletes embraced the challenge and some have already set new personal bests. Based on the results, our team is well on their way to having another successful season this spring!
One of the afternoons was spent at Pearl Harbor; the site of the “Day of Infamy” that pulled the U.S. into World War II. “The Pearl Harbor memorial gave us a glimpse into a very important part of history. It was interesting to be able to learn about the tragedy that happened there and we took a boat ride to see the USS Arizona Memorial. Walking through the memorial we saw many people in military clothing, as well as people sharing their own personal stories. It was an eye-opening place to visit for myself and my teammates. As we walked through the museum we couldn't imagine what it would have been like to live through this. Pearl Harbor is a beautiful memorial that shines a light on the history of World War II. It was a very heartfelt and humbling experience that my teammates and I got to experience.” (Mackayla Dabit)
Other activities included hiking Diamond Head. “During our first few days of adjustment to Hawaiian time, we were up early to go hiking at Diamond Head; a volcanic tuff cone. The views were spectacular, and it felt like the highest point in Oahu. Straight ahead were the blue waters of the Pacific and Honolulu, and to the left and right their was more rocky terrain to hike. The group was very impressed with the hike, and to cool down from the extreme heat we endured, we finished off the excursion with some pineapple smoothies.” (Karsen Roy)
A must in Hawaii is to attend a luau and go surfing. At the luau we were entertained and taught about the Hawaiian culture through dance, song and authentic Hawaiian food. Those students who surfed in the mornings eventually learned how to successfully ride the waves at Waikiki Beach.
The athletes also had an opportunity to get close to nature when they went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. They were astounded by the amazing creatures living in the coral reefs.
Overall, the trip was very successful. We were always on the go, but able to fit in an incredible variety of activities. As coaches, we are excited to see how this trip will impact our track season this spring!
Aloha
Ms. Steadman & Ms. WinterinkLand Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
