LILA ATHLETICS BLOG

After a tiring first day of competition, Lions had a meeting early morning to prepare the day. “I feel we could have done better, especially during the Boys soccer tournament. We played very well but missed a lot of opportunities to score. We finished in 6^th position with a strong team and a good potential. I feel today will be a good day for us” said Simon Toselli. The day was going to be intense and Lions had to start with the Volleyball tournament (Girls/ Boys) in a new gymnasium. Our girls won their first games pretty easily against: San Francisco la Perouse, Chicago, Washington, Ottawa and Boston. We could notice on the court they have been playing together this year. The hard work finally paid off and we reached the semi final against Mexico. Capitan Jackie and her teammates won by 10 points difference. Everybody was dreaming about the final in a packed gymnasium. All the teams were enjoying the last game of the day. We played a different school from San Francisco with strong volleyball players. “We had a nice start but were a little nervous and gave up easy points” said Sophie. We played very consistently the whole tournament but just faced a strong team in the final. We couldn’t get the gold at the end” said Simon. “I am more than happy with what the girls did today” said Coach Caroline. Silver is a great color and we are taking that medal!

At the same time, our Boys ‘team were playing the exact same Volleyball competition. Everybody wanted to do well for no regret at the end. Game after game, points after points, Lions climbed until the final against Stanislas Montreal. “We could feel a bit of pressure because we already lost against them by one point during the very first game” said Theo. Benjamin and Eric were confident. “Losing by one point does not mean anything; we will fight to the end”. The game was intense and referee could feel the pressure between both teams. Points sometimes lasted around fifteen seconds. Teams were 19-19 points with 5 seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately, Stanislas scored the last point with a ball on the line. Lion’s boys will also receive a silver medal at the end of the day.

Benjamin and Harper represented Lila during the Badminton competition. The two Lila tennis players played well but lost three games in the tournament. They could win two. Once again the level was impressive. We finished in 6^th position. Blanche and Elsa played the Girls Badminton tournament, and did everything they could.Aurelien, Armand, Sasha and Mimi played the table Tennis tournament. Aurelien won every single game. He was motivated and made absolutely no mistake. We almost made a podium and finished in 4^th position.

Lions finished their day with their favorite gymnastic duo Armand and Alex. All the schools were watching them! It was not easy to deal with the pressure, but they could perform their choreography with no mistake. The duo finished in 4^th position. 

Lions will have a day off tomorrow. We will visit Ellis Island and Brooklyn Bridge. “We just feel lucky to be here, represent our school and interact with other athletes” said Blanche.  Nice program for the Lions!

Lila Lions athletes have been training for more than 2 months to prepare the Lycee Francais Games, held in New York Manhattan, from June 5th to June 10th 2011. The whole team met this morning (5.AM) at LAX airport to depart at 7.20 AM for New York JFK. It will be a fantastic trip for our students. Our young athletes will remember it for a long time. We hope every player will give his best, and enjoy the moment. We hope to make a podium and do better than last year (4^th place). Our team, sponsored by BABOLAT, will receive an extra set of uniforms once at Lycee Francais New York on Monday morning. Athletes were picked up by their host families this evening. Most of them live right next to Lycee Francais. Our Lions will need a good rest tonight in order to be ready for tomorrow’s tournament. We will start the competition with the track and Field and soccer tournament.  All our athletes will have the opportunity to play tomorrow and show their skills. Go Lions!

Our team is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime as they head to new York to take on the Lycee Français olympic games 2011. Riding the wave of previous games and preparing for its compétition, the Lila Lions has brought in some topnotch coaching for special clinics every Tuesdays and Thursdays. The athletic department gave the kids the opportunity to prepare the competition and hone in their skills. The goal is to improve individually and as a team, tactically as well as technically. It also brings the team together and helps build the camaraderie.

Their excitement is rising as the count-down to competition begins. « I’m really looking forward to lycée français olympic games » said Sasha the Captain. "I'm definitely looking forward to the atmosphere of the whole games, New York, the other athlètes and just the whole expérience, it is going to be amazing," Aurelien said. "Lions preparations are coming along well, "They are all dedicated young athletes and have been putting in a lot of time and hard work in preparation for the Games." said Coach Simon. For Kaylan and Eric the opportunity to represent Lycee international of LA at such a young age and in such a large scale event is the opportunity of a lifetime and important to both of them. "I feel very proud to be representing LILA," said Eric. "It's an honor and I hope to represent LILA again later in life" said Kaylan. Eric said: "I've been playing soccer since I was seven-years old, and to have my 5th year of playing be the year I represent LILA at the Lycee Francais Olympics Games is an amazing feeling, it feels like the last 5 years has really paid off."

The 2011 Games is also an important event for coach Caroline who is having her first taste of coaching at this level."Personally I see this as a great opportunity to continue my learning and development as a coach," said Caroline."I get to work with best young athletes and help them continue their development and achieve success. Then to be involved in anything to do with an Olympic Games has that certain hype about it, which will be a great experience and I'm stoked to be a part of it."