8 GULF TIMES Sunday, May 28, 2017 Sunday, May 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 9

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

‘Fastest game on two feet,’ lacrosse

David Heywood

GEMS students during one of their lacrosse games.

move the sport to the next level. As Stephen Kellett – Elementary Lacrosse and this means that most
a result we have since expanded our School Principal students start on an equal footing.
programme to grades 8 (13yrs) and 10 Learning this new sport has provided Dr Stephen Kellet
(15yrs) with a great response. How can lacrosse strengthen an opportunity for our students to
bonding and break down barriers be challenged and develop from their
In what ways did you among school students? comfort zone socially and physically.  
receive any guidance prior Lacrosse is a fantastic sports unit
to implementing a new sport of ours here at GEMS American Also, in what ways is GEMS
offering at GEMS? Academy. Not only does Lacrosse planning to advance the strengths
The QLA provided practical lessons bring forth its rich history from North lacrosse brings as a sport to better
and training clinics for those who America, but it also lends a colossal engage with the community?
The GEMS lacrosse students and team with QLA's Leading Light. wanted to develop their knowledge hand in building teamwork, as well as GEMS is a rapidly growing school

R
and understanding of lacrosse both as developing a collaborative skillset for here in Qatar. We are definitely
egarded as the fastest programme initially and welcomed the lacrosse stick grew and team had greatly improved. Frustration a player and/or an instructor. These our students. looking to continue our team sports
game on two feet, Clifford – Health and Physical the challenge ahead. communication was much stronger levels had disappeared and they were sessions proved immensely helpful for programmes both by adding new
lacrosse is a fun and high Education Teacher in comparison to the other activities confident and comfortable in action. our teachers and provided them with Also, in what ways is GEMS sports like lacrosse and competing
energy team game played What has surprised you the we practised this year. the basics to take the sport forward planning to advance the strengths competitively with other schools in
using a small ball and a Personally, why did you most in the time you have spent Jose Romero – Head of Health with our students. lacrosse brings as a sport to better the region.
long-handled stick. connect so strongly with lacrosse delivering the programme? Could you please share a and Physical Education engage with the community?
The sport is growing quickly, and its introduction at GEMS? The speed in which the students memory to illustrate your point? Is GEMS planning to expand on I really appreciate the way that David Heywood – QLA Founder Mark Lentz
capturing the interest of education, I feel it is very important to grasped the skills and techniques During the first week of the How was lacrosse first its success with the programme lacrosse brings our students together.
sport and community groups. The introduce our students to a variety required to play lacrosse, was by far Lacrosse programme some of introduced to GEMS? in the coming months, and if so, The students have seen that it is only Your thoughts on the pilot
athleticism, skills and finesse needed of sports from around the world. the biggest surprise. the students began to get a little GEMS American Academy and the what is in the pipeline to involve through teamwork that they can really programme?
are pulling kids and adults of all ages With the full support from the frustrated as they were unable to Qatar Lacrosse Association (QLA) more school students in the succeed with this sport. As a result of the GEMS lacrosse
to engage in lacrosse. management team, we committed to All of our students entered into catch and pass the ball without some met in 2016 to discuss and plan out a sport? pilot programme, 60 kids experienced Gibran al-Bader
The sport requires both mental and a lacrosse programme and invested in lacrosse with no prior experience mistake; however, it gave me great suitable approach that would fit our The next step is very clear for Mark Lentz –Head of School/ lacrosse for the first time and within
physical approach that encourages some start-up equipment. of the sport; thus providing the joy to see their effort, determination particular requirements. We had the us. We will keep working in this CEO a mere six months of its expansion It was clear from the outset that
the breakdown of barriers through its Up until a year ago, I myself was a perfect opportunity to outline the and patience pay off and in turn firm idea of introducing a new sport line, introducing lacrosse into our programme, lacrosse has reached a the staff and its students at GEMS
cohesive nature both on and off the newcomer to the sport of lacrosse. rules, tactics and the correct use of provided a great environment for us activity in our school, and together Physical Education Curriculum and How can lacrosse strengthen staggering 120 students and counting. American Academy displayed an
field of play and is proving successful It didn’t take long until I knew this equipment. This was a basis for them all to learn. with the QLA, we made it happen. give the opportunity to our students bonding and break down barriers The future is very bright for the exciting energy towards learning,
in Qatar as an new sport offering sport would offer our students a to build on good habits and sport By the end of the programme, The QLA team helped us from the to practice all kind of sports. Our among school students? sport of lacrosse at GEMS American health and sport activity. Teaming up
introduced through a school’s fun activity that could go a long discipline. our students were well equipped very beginning providing valuable approach is to start small and try to Lacrosse is a competitive team Academy. with GEMS is great for the sport of
Physical Education curriculum, way towards developing their As we progressed, the children to showcase their development in information and ready-to-go grow every year. We are also looking sport that provides an excellent lacrosse and for advancing new sport
as revealed by GEMS American coordination, as well as establishing rapidly demonstrated skills and a game setting. As a teacher, it was resource literature for our teaching to add lacrosse to our After School opportunity for students to bond and Gibran al-Bader – QLA Director offerings within Qatar schools.
Academy, Al Wakrah. team spirit within our co-ed showed unity as a team. Their so rewarding to see how they had staff to use in their lesson planning. Activities Program and work is break down social barriers. Lacrosse The GEMS success story is a great
Following are the excerpts from students. We decided to introduce ability to pick the ball up, pass it on progressed. Their passing, shooting, The success of the pilot programme already underway to establishing fosters a sense of camaraderie How does the pilot programme testimony to the commitment and
interviews with the people behind lacrosse to our 4th grade students the move and shoot to the goal-all co-ordination, moving into space and positive feedback from our a GEMS Lacrosse team to compete amongst team members. relate to the growth of lacrosse in passion its staff deliver to enhance the
bringing lacrosse to the school. (9 years old) as I headed up the new improved. Their confidence in using and general communications skills students was more than enough to with other schools in Qatar. Many of our students are new to Qatar? learning experience of its students. Jose Romero