Thought For The Day – Tuesday 19^th May 2026

 Above:  An iconic image: At the conclusion of the second men’s cricket test match in the epi series of 2005,  the first thought of Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was not to celebrate England’s very close victory, but to console the defeated Australian player, Brett Lee.  Andrew Flintoff’s journey and story since has further demonstrated his values.  

In the desire to be the best, to be successful, whatever that means, we do not forget our values.

In good times, in challenging times, and in everything in between, how we conduct ourselves, how we treat others, says absolutely everything about us.

That is the only “result” that ultimately matters.

For the far higher, and only real “victory”, lies in the dignity and respect we show.

To others. To ourselves.

Care, compassion, humility, respect, and values in “victory”, “defeat”, and in everything in between.

We discover what is in our soul, and souls, in very challenging moments.

Whilst, if, and when, things go “well”, or “better”,  we remember when the opposite was the case, showing compassion for others and lifting them up.

Today is the second International “Fair Play Day”.

This day, founded by the United Nations,  recognises the spirit of fair play, not just in leisure, recreation, and sport, but in life.

This day emphases the importance of: empathy; empowerment; encouragement;  equality; friendship; inclusion; integrity; respect; team spirit.

Standing up to negative prejudice and negative discrimination is integral to Fair Play Day.

And all these values are vital each, and every, day.

The United Nations states:

“Fair play is a complex concept that encompasses fundamental values integral to both sport and everyday life.  The concept of fair play extends beyond simply following written rules; it also involves respecting unwritten rules and demonstrating unconditional respect. The attitude of fair play contributes to building a peaceful and better world beyond the realm of sports.”

The focus on “unwritten rules” is interesting.  Some use the phrase  “the spirit of the game”.  We could even add “the spirit of life”.

Thank you very much for all the Physical Education Department, and all curricular and extra-curricular areas, do at The Bishop’s Stortford High School do to foster such values.

Thank you to everyone in every dimension of T.B.S.H.S., and wider civic and global society, do to nurture fair play.  Another word for fairness is justice.

As ever, the best “fair play” leadership is by example.

In establishing the Fair Play Day, the United Nations recognises the importance of the Olympic values and Olympism, stating Fair Play Day is a legacy of the ancient Greek tradition of the “Ekecheiria”, or “Olympic Truce”. Community, fairness, good will, participation,  peace, and solidarity is a vital principle of modern Olympic Games, founded on the classical tradition.