Last weekend saw fierce competition as ORA students across four Oxford colleges came together to fight for the ORA Olympic crown. The stadium was ready, laces were tied and teams were raring to go as students gathered for the ORA Olympics.

Running Races

The track races were among the most competitive, with students relying on their individual speed and skill. Everyone nervously eyed the staff as they waited, crouched at the start line, for the whistle to blow. The tension was high as time ticked slowly forward before, suddenly, the whistle sounded and the race had begun.

The races were exciting and close. Everyone ran with confidence and enthusiasm, determined to do their Colleges and friends proud. As they raced around the burgundy track, the sound of loud cheers erupted from the spectator stand as the Colleges supported their runners with as much gusto as they could muster.

The relay races were just as thrilling, with teams battling out to be victorious. The runners showed impressive examples of teamwork as they raced, baton in hand, to their teammates to pass the responsibility forward and edge slightly closer to winning the race.

Though the rivalry was strong, the cohesion and friendliness of the Colleges was inspiring. Students from different courses chatted away and laughed happily, finding mutual interests in the excitement of the day’s events.

Wellington Boot Throwing

Perhaps this game originated because the English were fed-up with the rain forcing them to wear wellies but, regardless, our students got involved and tried their hand at welly throwing during the ORA Olympics.

Flinging wellies as far as you can sounds simple but the lack of rigid structure of the boot makes it slightly harder than you’d think. Some students mastered the underhand throw, aiming far and high, whilst others struggled with the overhead technique and watched their welly plummet to the ground. It was great fun, though, and we heard lots of laughter from those competing.

Egg and Spoon Races

A funfair classic and notorious crowd-pleaser, the egg and spoon races were an amusing inclusion in the ORA Olympics.

Carefully balancing eggs on spoons and racing to the finish tested our students, both in terms of their patience, resilience and determination. Looks of shock plastered on the faces of competitors as eggs fell to the ground, whilst those taking it slow and steady showed expressions of quiet pleasure as they continued the race. The crowd cheered for their friends and created a buzzing atmosphere.

The Results…

With everyone worn out from the sporting events, it was time to announce who would be leaving with the glory of being crowned ORA Olympic champions. Everyone watched hopefully as the results were read, with the winners announced as…:

ORA at BALLIOL!

Congratulations to our new champions, who have won ORA Olympic glory and pride. Though not everyone could win, our students clapped respectfully for the winners and had an entertaining day nevertheless.