“In the midst of the controversy surrounding the World Cup in Qatar, I was delighted to see that the match on Thursday night between Germany and Costa Rica was officiated by the first all-female team at a men’s World Cup match. In a tournament that is suppressing protest on key areas of human rights, it is refreshing that prejudice and perceptions are being challenged in such an open way through this.
“I was equally impressed to learn that the Japanese team, after their first ever victory over Germany, instead of revelling in victory, spent time cleaning their changing room, leaving it spotless. They also left a note to say thank you in Japanese and Arabic, and some folded paper cranes for good measure. Meanwhile, the Japanese fans continued their tradition of cleaning the stadium after the match. They remained behind to pick up used cups, bottles, food wrappers and even discarded German flags.
“Sport has an important role to play in modelling change and it is something that I hope we will increasingly do through sport at King’s. I have been delighted to see some impressive performances by both the Senior Hockey and Rugby teams in recent weeks. But even more importantly, we have witnessed good ‘sporting’ behaviour by both players and supporters throughout. There was a particularly positive atmosphere at the Rugby match under lights against Culford on Wednesday evening. Teams and supporters (there were over 200 parents, pupils and staff spectating) were a credit to both schools.
“With my best wishes for the weekend.”