Ancient Greek education began not in ivory towers, but behind the local gym.  Two of Athens' most famous scholarly institutions were appendices to gymnasia: Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. More surprising, perhaps, the word gymnasium derives from the Greek word for naked, as gymnasia were places where athletes trained in the nude.  From our contemporary Western perspective, this seems exceedingly peculiar, but for the ancients, a healthy body was nothing to be ashamed of: the discipline of the body was as highly prized to them as the cultivation of the mind.

At The Geneva School, needless to say, we do not expect our athletes to exercise in the nude, but we do embrace the importance of a sound mind in a sound body.  To that end we give high honors to our scholar-athletes, who not only participate in intense athletic competition, but also excel in academics.

The significance of bodily exercise was not lost on the Apostle Paul, either, who frequently used athletic competition as a metaphor for the rigors of the Christian life:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
(Acts 20:24)

Everything done on the field of competition by Geneva athletes, parents, coaches, spectators and all other participants should testify to the gospel of God's grace.  It has been said, "Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words."  As such, we seek in our athletic pursuits to reflect our gratitude that "the Father has qualified [us] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:12-14). This gratitude should be shown in a love of friendly competition and a pursuit of athletic excellence; in good sportsmanship towards opposing teams and a respect for the authority of officials; in a willingness to sacrifice individual aspirations for the good of the team and a multitude of other ways that bear witness to Christ before a watching world.

The Westminster Catechism teaches that man’s chief end is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  So too, every athlete at The Geneva School ought to strive with body and soul to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  This simple goal enlightens every aspect of our athletic program.  Although we always compete to win, our highest goal is to please our Heavenly Father in all that we do.