Reopening the Sr. Anne Marie Hill SPorts Hall

On Sunday, 12 June 2022, the Sr. Anne Marie Sports Hall was officially reopened by the School community. Cristina Serrano, Chair of Governors and Alumna from the Class of 1989, said a few words at this event.

I was asked to say a few words for the Sports Hall inauguration but the first thing that came to mind is that this building is not ‘just a sports hall’: this is part of Marymount life and has been since 1984.

If we go back to 1984, it was my first of five years at Marymount, I was 13 and (almost) new to this country. I was a very sporty young lady doing almost any sport that was put my way. And within the first few weeks of school, we were all asked to sign the day’s newspaper in preparation for the gym inauguration ceremony. We all signed it and, later in the day, stood patiently through the ceremony. No-one would dare to move with Sr. Breda watching…

We started using the gym a few months later, moving from the Auditorium. It was all brand new, spacious and for the first time we were able to host tournaments where boys came!

When I think of the Sports Hall, I think of the place where I trained with the team week after week, when I came in the evenings to practice my shots, where I was chosen as the all star player in the international schools basketball tournaments, where I sat all my IB exams and where I graduated. Even where we learnt to waltz in preparation for the Graduation Ball.

So you see, this is not just a Sports Hall.

After graduation I Ieft for Spain and in my mind never thought I would return. What I didn’t know then is that Marymount will always be part of me, part of who I am, part of the foundations of who I have become.

I wasn’t ready for all the emotions that came back a few weeks ago when we opened the 1984 time capsule. Seeing the documents of the time - all the signatures from all the friends back then, the school brochure - brought back many memories.

But that is just a part of it. It was very special to share those emotions with the students and let them know that it was not only me, but at least two current mums from school have their signatures there.

So again, this is not just a Sports Hall, this is very much part of the Marymount life and part of our memories.

On a less emotional tone, I wanted to express thanks to the team that have done the work with diligence and care. With a bit of delay due to supply disruptions both in transport and raw materials, we have finally made it!

Now it is time to enjoy and build new memories!