Sport pays special tribute to First World War heroes
ISLANDERS commemorated the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War through sport yesterday.
A service at Foote's Lane was interspersed with various sports as they would have been played 100 years ago.
'Today is about commemorating sportsmen from Guernsey and beyond who contributed to the First World War,' said organiser Alun Williams.
'Some of the activities are practical examples but we want people to reflect on the First World War and what it means to Guernsey and the wider community.'
Sports were put on to suit the period – traditional hare and hounds cross-country running, women's cricket, seven-a-side rugby, and football as per the Christmas truce.
People in the stand joined in as the Help for Heroes choir sang songs including I Vow to Thee my Country and It's a Long Way to Tipperary. There were also readings and poems by members of the sporting fraternity.
The Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas, said it was important that children understood the horrors of war and the sacrifices that our ancestors made to ensure our freedom.
'It's also about ensuring we learn the lessons from history and never take peace for granted as it's something that you might have to fight for,' he said.
'Some of the people participating today are not much younger than those who were fighting and gave their lives for their country and we are so lucky that we live in a time of relative peace.'
