I hope that the new government do revive competitive sports days. My children's school compete in houses but do all activities within their own team so that although there is an overall winner there is no compeition on the day. From a spectators perspective it is dull, dull, dull and the kids told me before the day started that they would win as it was their turn - the 4 houses take turns to win!!!

See what you mean - makes for a less interesting sports day, however I think the challenge is to accommodate all the kids at the school. There is a significant number of Special Educational Needs children at my sons (x2) school. It is important that they are acknowledged equally and integrated fully and properly - and perhaps this is where the compromise lies. Competition is a good thing - but you'll probably find that the kids have as much fun working as teams and enjoying the buzz of the change of scenery and the day out than just the simple immodesty of winning.