Velodrome Field Trip
LAHS Physical Education, Olympic spirit, and success in life were combined the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 15th as forty 10-12th grade Los Amigos High School physical education students traveled to the Home Depot Center Velodrome in Carson, CA to participate in an Olympic themed field day; P3 Cycle of Success. On Track in sport and Life.
At the velodrome the Lobos were shown a video, heard personal stories, and were taught by five time two sport Olympian, Connie Paraskevin the message of preparing for success by aiming high and picturing their goals/dreams, inspiring all the students to perform their own personal best each and every day. (Picture, Practice, Perform)
The program also focused on the Olympic spirit of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Canadian Olympian, Tanya Dubnicoff lead instructions for the students to put into practice some of the message they had just heard and have the chance of a lifetime riding a fixed geared bike on the world class velodrome track!
Here’s what the students had to say about their experience;
Jesus Lopez – “It was great experience to meet other Olympic athletes and to feel like an Olympian when riding around the track. It was great how they showed us how to set our own goals, practice, and perform at such high levels and to apply it to our own lives.”
Andy Nava - “I had a completely new experience riding the fixed geared bike at high speeds, especially in the velodrome. It was amazing how fast the athletes were going at their top speeds. The message they taught us was great; to always do your best. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Morcos Hanna – “It was good to meet all the coaches. It was a fantastic experience to cycle in the velodrome! We learned safety rules, honesty in competing, and how to make your dreams come true.”
Christina Bui – “I learned you don’t have to win to be a champion, sometimes choosing to do the right thing makes you a champion. Connie told us a story about a friend of hers, a swimmer, who was at a high level competition, who could have appealed a false start call, but didn’t because he knew it was the right call. He didn’t win, but was still a champion because he chose to do the right thing.”
Marianna Solorio – “It was very exciting! When I got back to school, I was talking about it the whole day.” “I learned to always try your best, if it doesn’t work out then you’ll know you tried your best and can feel good about that.”
Kinberly Ocampo – “The message I took home was, think about what to do, practice correctly, and then be ready to perform. If at first you can’t do it, try again!”
“Watching the students’ jaws drop in awe as they entered the velodrome, seeing their huge smiles when riding the bikes, and knowing they came away with inspirational positive embedded messages of how to achieve any goal they desired, was very fulfilling. There is no doubt, the students will put into action what they learned today and they will all be champions!” - Ms Ogren
A sincere thank -you goes out to Connie and Tanya for sharing their program with us, to Ms Patterson and the site council for allowing us to attend , and to Carol Strauss and Barbara Zeno for attending as chaperones. THANK YOU!