Athletes gather at Decatur for Friendship Connection

By COLE COSGROVE

Associate editor

Decatur hosted the SPSL Friendship Connection last Wednesday, bringing almost 200 representatives from all 18 of the South Puget Sound League High Schools.

The Friendship Connection is a way to bring high school athletes and activity participants together to promote understanding throughout the league.

“It’s basically tied around some kind of sportsmanship theme,” said Greg Flynn, athletics director at Decatur. “It helps promote good sportsmanship throughout the league.”

After an opening meeting with a speaker, representatives from each sport broke into smaller groups based on their sport or activity and did activities like role-playing to help find ways to resolve possible conflicts.

“SPSL administrators couldn’t say enough nice things about it,” said Laurie Beaver, Decatur leadership class advisor.

Each school brought items that represented their school. for a spirit exchange.

The conference happens three times a year — once every sports season — with each school sending a representative from the various sports and activities.

The event’s location rotates each meeting and every school gets a chance to host.

The SPSL is divided into two geographical divisions. The North division schools are Auburn Riverside, Auburn, Enumclaw, Kentlake, Kent Meridian, Kentridge, Kentwood, Sumner and Tahoma. The South division schools are Bethel, Curtis, Decatur, Emerald Ridge, Federal Way, Puyallup, Rogers, Spanaway Lake and Thomas Jefferson.

The SPSL emphasizes sportsmanship through its’ sportsmanship code: Show pride, class, spirit and respect. Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. Please enjoy the game and promote good sportsmanship. In the South Puget Sound League, everyone is a winner.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.