Did you ever get a trophy?

I know it is an occasional discussion with my peers, that these days children at school get certificates and trophies for many things – even just attending school, but when we went to school, it was rare for any student to be awarded a trophy.

In those days I played many sports, but the competitions were few and far between, and on the occasions, I did very well, applause was the only reward for me. Over the years I have been awarded various other items – but not a real trophy.

I played tennis, and there were minor local competitions and I remember one that I did very well at a tennis court near the Oaklands railway station (Adelaide, South Australia), and I can remember the applause and that quite a few folk came and congratulated me. I have no memory of the event really, nor if I should have collected any reward/award. I do recall, apart from the applauds and well wishes, nothing.

Fast Forward to 2021.

It’s been a while since I won anything, apart from a raffle prize. And on the day, about which I am writing, I had already won a raffle prize. It was at the Christmas morning tea for the local historical society, where I am a member.

It was slightly amusing for I had arrived without any loose change to buy a raffle ticket, so I borrowed $5 from a friend and spent it all on some tickets. I was most surprised to win a box of Christmas foods, chocolates, wine etc. Was it my lucky day? I had no idea I was to win a trophy later in the day.

Christmas Drinks

With a morning function and a late afternoon one, it was a big day for me. I set off around 4 pm for the event at a friend’s home. It wasn’t far, but parking was a challenge, but I found somewhere to park, and arrived a little late. (I had text messages asking where I was too! Ooops.)

Carrying my bottle of Pink Moscato I was impressed with the venue. The homeowners had created the backyard into a great party precinct with seating, close to the refrigerator, surrounded by a luscious garden and more. To the side, there was a small crochet area. I initially look with a little disinterest at the crochet – several people were playing. It was not a sport I had ever played or even considered. Sometime later, the hostess announced it was my turn to play.

Photo by Troy Taylor of Unsplash

A Game of Croquet

I tentatively joined the group.  There were three other ladies, and I was the fourth in the little competition. I had no idea of the rules, but learned that they were not complicated.  I had the yellow ball and a wooden mallet to guide the ball, when it was my turn, through the hoop.

Initially, I had some crazy shots, but soon was ahead of the others and went on to manoeuvre the yellow ball through all the hoops, and managed to eventually his the coloured pole at the end. I was the winner of our game. I was gobsmacked. I won. The first time I had played croquet.

That was the end of our little game, and I set off to pour a glass of Moscato. Then the hostess found me and gave me a small golden fabric bag. I opened it tentatively, and there were two items in it. One was a colourful pen, and the other a very small trophy.

I was amazed. I don’t recall ever receiving a trophy like that. Sure it didn’t (and would never) have my name engraved on it – for it is far too small. But it is something I will never forget. I was so excited.

The Trophy

There is some good about not winning a lot of trophies. Where would I store them?

What is your trophy story?