In the context of CAS athletics, my skills and interests revolve around physical fitness, teamwork, and a passion for sports. I have a background in various athletic activities, including running, high jump etc. My ability to work well within a team, and maintain physical fitness, and my enthusiasm for sports align with my interest in CAS athletics.
I have chosen CAS athletics as one of my CAS experiences because it allows me to combine my passion for sports and physical activity with my desire to contribute to the local and global community. Through athletics, I can harness my skills to promote physical well-being, cultural understanding, and global awareness.
LO 1; Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
This LO is deeply intertwined with the world of sports, as it provides a unique platform to self-reflect, recognize personal strengths, and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
Firstly, engaging in athletics allowed me as an individual to recognize and leverage my inherent strengths. Whether it’s speed, endurance, agility, or teamwork, sports accentuate these strengths and give me a tangible platform to showcase and develop them further. For example, if I excels in sprinting I may discover that my speed is a considerable asset in team relays, which can boost my confidence and sense of achievement. Some strengths that identified was that I was really passionate about it, I remember in grade 5 I used to do high jump really and over the years I have been working on it and doing my best and also was selected in the nationals tournament.
First, by engaging in high jump and running, I have the chance to identify and further develop my physical strengths. High jump requires explosive power, flexibility, and coordination, while running demands endurance, speed, and pacing. Through consistent practice and performance assessment, I can recognize which aspects of these activities align with my natural abilities. For instance, I may discover that I have an innate ability to sprint or that I excel in the technical aspects of the high jump, like clearing the bar at greater heights.
Simultaneously, athletics exposed me to areas where growth is necessary. Every sport presents its challenges, whether it’s perfecting a jump shot in basketball or mastering a specific stroke in swimming. Identifying these areas of improvement is a fundamental part of the athletic journey. It encourages individuals to set goals and work tirelessly to enhance their performance, thereby fostering personal growth and resilience. And so in athletics as well I was certain that there will be challenges faced that I will need to work on for a better performance.
Identifying areas where I need to grow and setting achievable goals becomes integral to success in these sports. For instance, I might notice that I need to work on my core strength to improve my high jump technique or develop a more consistent training regimen for running to enhance my endurance.
LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Engaging in high jump and running requires a unique set of skills and presents a series of challenges that, when overcome, result in skill development. For instance, when I first began high jump, I encountered the challenge of perfecting my approach, learning to coordinate my body’s movements, and clearing the bar effectively. This process pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to develop new techniques and strategies to clear increasingly higher heights. Similarly, in running, I faced challenges related to stamina, speed, and pacing. Overcoming these challenges involved training rigorously, adjusting my running form, and learning to manage my energy efficiently during races.
Through these experiences, I have not only enhanced my athletic abilities but also developed essential life skills. I’ve learned the value of discipline, time management, and perseverance, which are transferable to various aspects of my life beyond athletics. Additionally, these challenges have taught me resilience, as I’ve had to overcome setbacks and injuries, continuously striving for improvement.
LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
First and foremost, athletics demand consistent effort and unwavering dedication. The pursuit of excellence in sports requires regular training, practice, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. By participating in CAS athletics, I demonstrated my commitment to the cause. I show up for training sessions, practices, in the PS consistently, even when faced with physical challenges or the need to balance my academic and extracurricular commitments. This unwavering dedication is not only crucial for personal growth but also inspires teammates and fellow participants to maintain their own commitment.
Moreover, perseverance is a fundamental quality in the realm of athletics. It’s not just about winning; it’s about facing setbacks, defeats, and injuries with resilience and a strong spirit. From an individual perspective, I can recount the times when I encountered difficulties, whether it was a series of losses, injuries, or personal challenges. In these moments, I chose to persevere. I sought out ways to improve my skills, adapted to the setbacks, and learned valuable lessons from the experience. My ability to endure these trials and keep pushing forward is a direct reflection of my commitment to CAS athletics.
LO 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
For me, this connection starts with recognizing that physical well-being is a fundamental concern on a global scale. By actively participating in athletics, I can contribute to the overarching goal of promoting healthier lifestyles and combating non-communicable diseases, which are prevalent worldwide. My personal dedication to maintaining my own physical fitness becomes part of the collective effort to alleviate the strain on healthcare systems and improve overall quality of life globally.
Moreover, engaging in athletics allows me to experience the power of diversity and cultural understanding firsthand like while meeting people in events outside school like khel mahakumbh, ISSO etc. Sports, with their universal appeal, bring people together from all walks of life. Through my involvement in athletics, I have the opportunity to build connections with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, fostering empathy and unity. In this way, my participation in sports takes on a global dimension by promoting the importance of embracing diversity and working together on a broader, more inclusive scale.
LO 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
the decisions I make in training and preparation play a significant role in this ethical consideration. Being honest about my efforts, avoiding shortcuts like doping or cheating, and respecting the rules of the game are all ethical considerations that come into play as an individual athlete. It’s about ensuring that I compete fairly and maintain the integrity of the sport, which is essential for fostering trust and respect among athletes.
Another crucial aspect of recognizing and considering ethics in athletics is the treatment of teammates and opponents. Upholding values like respect, inclusivity, and cooperation within a team environment is a fundamental ethical commitment. Supporting teammates, regardless of their skill level, and treating opponents with fairness and respect contribute to a positive and ethical sports culture.