Saltus sports a new look THE SCHOOL’S sports programme has received a fresh focus this year, with new uniforms, extracurricular clubs—and an Athletics Director. National cricket star Darrin Lewis, 44, took up the new post at Saltus last fall, bringing years of experience as a coach, physical education teacher and administrator —he oversaw BSSF events for the Education Ministry and also served four years as deputy principal of Spice Valley Middle School. “One of Saltus’s Centres of Excellence is its Athletics Programme,” says Headmaster Stanton. “With Tim Figureido and the PE Staff focussed on the delivery of an effective Health & Physical Education curriculum, the need arose for an experienced and knowlegeable Athletics Director to oversee the ever-expanding PTA Sports programmme, liaise with other sports organisations on the Island, and promote our top athletes. “Saltus was fortunate to attract Darrin Lewis, a wellknown Bermudian athlete, coach, teacher and administrator to this challenging position,” Staunton says. “Darrin’s comprehensive knowledge of all sports, his extensive contacts across the Island, and his genuine interest in the development and promotion of our many talented athletes has made him a popular and valuable addition to the Saltus staff.” A former Cup Match (Somerset) competitor, national youth cricket team captain, and national senior team member, Lewis launched into the new role with enthusiasm. One of his first challenges was to address the mixedbag appearance of both Saltus athletes—and PE staff. “We needed to change the whole attitude towards athletics at Saltus, starting with our look,” he says. “We decided to bring in a uniform for PE staff—a red polo shirt with the School crest, and navy shorts or pants—as they didn’t have one previously. And we’ve introduced School tracksuits for students, along with a ‘common’ red PE T-shirt, with the crest and number ‘4,’ as this is our official school number in Bermuda.” While House T-shirts can still be worn for PE classes and inter-house matches, students will showcase their representation of Saltus outside the School by wearing the common shirt to compete in inter-school, national and community events. This shirt can also be worn in school PE classes. “It gives us a unified appearance that ties in with our School colour-scheme and new branding,” says Lewis. “It’s all about altering perceptions and building pride, teamwork and School spirit—it really does make a difference. And the changes have received tremendous positive feedback—from parents, students, staff and the whole Saltus community.” Lewis has also reinforced the year’s theme of “respect”—by encouraging students to treat the School’s sports facilities with more care. “For example, we are monitoring usage of the School gymnasium and require students to use proper sports shoes and attire there to protect the gym flooring.” Such facilities are, after all, he notes, more than just venues for sports events; they are arenas of challenge, courage and perseverance where he hopes to see Saltus victories claimed and School champions created. “Pride in your surroundings and appearance translates into greater personal achievements—it’s an obvious connection,” says Lewis, who also has his sights set on revamping the Gosling Centre’s fitness room with rubber flooring and new equipment—and launching a wellness programme for Saltus staff. As liaison with the PTA sports programme, he’s working with PTA rep Henrik Schroder to introduce new, nontraditional sports clubs, including Sunday rugby and lacrosse, and an afterschool table-tennis club. “Not everyone loves football and cricket,” he says. “This offers a wide variety of activities for everyone. The aim is to keep people active.” Darrin Lewis: putting the focus on pride CHARLES ANDERSON S A LT U S M A G A Z I N E 31