This year, the 7th edition of the Literary evening, dedicated to ‘PLACES’, happened on Friday 27th January, 2023. This year, after two covid-restricted editions, we went back to a live performance in our school’s MPH accompanied with videos which our students prepared from home.
This literary evening event was an opportunity to show that student at the National Sport school can do more than jog, run, jump, swim and engage in martial arts. Sport is our passion but we are fond of acquiring skills that will help us in the near future.
This year’s theme took us to various places around the world to explore culinary specialities, the beauty of various landmarks and to our students’ home and favourite rooms, explained in French, German, Spanish and Italian. It was clearly emphasised, throughout the evening, that sometimes, we can travel to places without actually going there, with the help of books, which are our travelling machines that take us to the past, to the future and to places no passport can take us to. This was presented with readings and videos from Harry Potter and Lord of the rings, amongst others. Reading is indeed, greatly promoted at the National sport school with a well-equipped library and various comfortable areas designed especially to make reading a pleasurable activity.
This evening allowed also some food for thought, when we explored the greatness of the Universe and the possibility that in such an infinite place, we may not be alone. Jenna Awad, our fabulous compere, explained the importance of appreciating our Earth, the beautiful nature, the historical places and the masterpieces of art and sculptures which explain the story of humankind. She explained our important duty of preserving our planet and treat it right so as to hand it over safely to the next generations. The beauty of our continent Europe was highlighted by a quiz which was a learning item that involved the audience and which allowed our presenters to improvise and move around the hall in search for answers. Another group of students took us to a tour inside a wonderful machine; the human body where various curious facts were presented in a fun but skillful manner.
Other presenters explained in the Maltese language, ‘Imkejjen’ can have two opposite meanings. This was truly interesting. Did you know that ‘imkien’ can be ‘nowhere’ or ‘anywhere’ in our Maltese language?. Different students presented their readings, both in English and in Maltese and read them out with skill and confidence. These oracy and communication skills, evident through readings and drama items helped our students face an audience, talk in public, acquire self-esteem and grow into more confident student-athletes.
Yet again, this year’s literary evening was a memorable event. It was a learning experience, fun and another way of socialising. Thank you to all the parents and guardians who supported this event and well done to all participating students and NSS staff involved. Such an event clearly shows the importance of teamwork; Together Everyone can Achieve More.
