We Are The 'Ville
We asked our student athletic community about sportsmanship in Westerville City Schools. And what they shared echoes what school districts across the state and nation are saying:
Respect each other.
Respect the game.
Through surveys, focus group meetings and informal conversations, our student athletes, coaches, administrators, athletic directors and booster groups have talked about the need for positive role models in the stands so students and the community can have a positive experience during an athletic contest. Students shared the need to be in an environment where they feel supported, respected and are provided space to grow and enjoy the game.
Sportsmanship clearly matters to our students, staff and community. In response, the district is launching a sportsmanship awareness campaign during the 2024-25 school year with two themes:
WE ARE THE ‘VILLE
“We are the Ville” is a reminder to students that no matter which school they attend, it’s still one Westerville. To set the tone, the district is hosting a variety of activities to reinforce camaraderie and good sportsmanship, including:
- The We are the ‘Ville Games are on Aug. 6, 2024 at the fields of the Westerville Recreation Center. Teams with students from each high school and from different sports will compete in a series of minute-to-win-it and tournament games. Whether it's manning a station or serving as a ref or being on a team, coaches and booster groups from across the district will play a large role in the event too.
- The We are the ‘Ville Games can provide our athletic programs an opportunity to set the tone for the coming school year. It can kick off a series of other activities that reinforce camaraderie and good sportsmanship and students participating in the event can return to their buildings as sportsmanship ambassadors.
- We are the ‘Ville Award, where an athlete each season (fall, winter, spring) will be recognized by the district and Board of Education for exhibiting the best type of sportsmanship and conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. Names of the recipients will be engraved on the award, which will be kept at the student’s home school.
LET THEM PLAY
With the “Let Them Play” campaign, students are calling for an environment where they feel supported, respected and provided space where they can grow and enjoy the game. The district will provide printed and digital materials at sporting events to reinforce behavior expectations and conduct during sporting events.