A Big Night for McGlashan Sport

We were privileged to hear from Mark Inglis, whose powerful story left a lasting impression on the crowd. It was a night that not only raised money, but lifted spirits and reminded us why sport plays such a vital role in our school culture.

Thank you to the amazing Sports Dinner committee – Jo Stafford, Anna Mackay, Katy Guthrie, Renee Miller, Jo Bridge, Kirstyn Sandall, Kim Jellie, Sonya Aitken, and Leanne Cleghorn – for their tireless work behind the scenes. Thanks also to staff helpers Drew, Donna, Kirstyn, Lachie, and Stew, and to the many senior boys who stepped up to help on the night.

Key Messages from My Sports Dinner Speech:

McGlashan boys continue to play sport in huge numbers - with 91% of our students involved, playing on average three sports each. But sport at McGlashan is about far more than winning championships or counting participation numbers. Yes, we absolutely celebrate things like a 137 not out in cricket, a long-standing athletics high jump record being broken by 140mm, or a 2-all draw vs the national hockey champs – they deserve it.

It’s the small, often unseen moments that matter most:

• A junior who’s never played before turning up to cricket, getting loaned gear, and having a go.

• A water polo team full of boarder boys who couldn’t swim well - but turned up smiling to every game.

• Our handball boys showing genuine sportsmanship and earning praise from referees.

• Social teams where less skilled players are welcomed and celebrated when they finally nail a goal.

• A Year 8 boy who proudly told me he had a “good loss” in chess against a Year 13.

These moments show the character we’re growing - and why sport is such a powerful tool for boys’ development.

It’s also a brilliant hook for keeping boys happy and connected at school. Sport gives them purpose, structure, friendship, and pride in being part of something bigger.

We’re lucky to have passionate staff, coaches, and senior students running everything from 6:30am trainings to national-level tours. From mainstream codes like rugby, hockey and basketball to the growing interest in fencing, mountain biking, and badminton, McGlashan sport continues to thrive because of this shared effort.

Even our storytelling matters. With up to 580,000 Facebook views per month and hundreds of thousands of clicks on the page. A big part of what makes the McGlashan Sport Facebook page so well followed is the photos – real moments, happy faces, and boys giving it everything. Capturing that energy and connection on the field and court is what brings the stories to life, it’s clear that our wider community cares deeply about what our boys are doing on and off the field.

Why this all matters...

For our rangatahi, the wins in sport aren’t always on the scoreboard. They’re in:

• Belonging and being part of a team

• Building confidence and resilience

• Learning how to lose well – and bounce back

• Developing leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline

• Sharing the highs and lows with mates

Sport helps shape who our boys become. It’s worth every early morning, every reshuffled team sheet, and every cheer from the sideline.

Thanks again to everyone who supports sport at McGlashan. We couldn’t do it without you.

Ngā mihi,

Tony Gomez

Director of Sport