Caption: The JV Boys team works on their passing skills on the court during this JV festival game against Graded. [by Stephen Meier]
by Felipe Candido
The U13 Festival, on September 14th at Graded, brought young athletes together for a day of fun and skill development. Students competed in soccer and basketball, with boys and girls participating in the event.
Sixth grader Seth Meier enjoyed participating in the JV festival for the first time this year. He liked the basketball festival the most because he had more opportunities to play during the games.
“I think we learned the most to have better defense,” said Meier. “Be aggressive and, even if you know the plays, you have to want to get the ball and push [yourself].”
Our teams delivered outstanding performances, winning many of their matches. The festival highlighted sportsmanship and teamwork, creating memorable experiences for everyone.
Vitor Silva, a freshman at PACA, is one of the boys’ soccer goalie for the JV team., who summed everything up by saying, “It was a very exciting event, I am sure we all had lots of fun.“
Nicholas Sousa, another sixth grade student, is also new to the JV festival this year. He participated in both the basketball and soccer festivals.
“What I enjoyed most was winning,” said Sousa. “But I think what I learned the most was that we all have to pass the ball, and move around and not be the only one dribbling and the only one with the ball.”
The festival schedule was as follows: girls’ soccer and boys’ basketball matches in the morning, followed by girls’ basketball and boys’ soccer in the afternoon. Athletes gained important experience and enjoyed a low-pressure environment where fun was more important than competition.
Though interviews were limited, the overall spirit of the event was clear: Competitors improved their skills, made new friendships, and left with lasting memories. Thank you to Graded for hosting this event, to the other schools for participating and providing a great experience for our Junior Varsity, and to our athletes, for participating.
