Pep Rally Games: Fun Activities for High School Spirit Events

Effective pep rallies extend beyond entertainment—they create strategic experiences that unite student bodies, motivate athletic teams, recognize diverse contributions, and reinforce institutional pride in ways students remember for years. Schools excelling at rally planning develop signature traditions that strengthen program culture while maximizing the brief time when entire communities gather with shared purpose.

Athletic recognition displays create pride-building context for pep rallies, showcasing the tradition athletes continue when they compete

Why Pep Rally Games Matter for School Spirit

Before exploring specific activities, understanding how effective rally games strengthen school culture helps administrators and student organizers prioritize elements that deliver maximum impact.

The Psychology of Collective Energy

Building Authentic School Pride

Pep rallies succeed when they create genuine emotional connections rather than manufactured enthusiasm:

• Shared experiences unite students across grade levels, friend groups, and social divisions
• Public recognition makes athletes feel valued and supported by broader communities
• Competitive games create investment in outcomes and emotional engagement
• Humor and unexpected moments generate authentic reactions and positive memories
• Traditions repeated annually create institutional identity connecting past and present students

Research on group dynamics consistently shows that shared emotional experiences—laughter, excitement, collective cheering—strengthen social bonds and organizational culture more effectively than passive information delivery. The most successful pep rallies leverage this by creating genuine moments rather than scripted performances.

Motivating Athletes Through Community Support

The most important rally audience isn’t the general student body—it’s the athletes about to compete:

• Visible community support demonstrates that performance matters beyond individual achievement
• Public recognition reinforces that athletic commitment receives institutional appreciation
• Team introductions build confidence and competitive fire
• Peer enthusiasm creates accountability to perform at highest levels representing school pride
• Rally energy athletes carry onto competition fields, courts, and tracks

Coaches consistently report that well-executed pep rallies improve team morale and competitive intensity. Athletes feeling genuinely supported by their school community perform differently than those competing with indifferent backing.

Schools implementing comprehensive spirit week programs find that pep rallies serve as culminating celebrations when integrated with broader school culture initiatives throughout the academic year.

Classic Pep Rally Games That Always Work

Some activities remain staples because they consistently generate enthusiasm while requiring minimal preparation.

Musical Chairs Variations

Large-Scale Musical Chairs Tournament

Scale up this childhood game for dramatic gymnasium entertainment:

• Start with 15-20 student participants representing different grade levels
• Use upbeat school fight song or popular music everyone recognizes
• Eliminate one chair each round building suspense
• Final two participants compete for championship bragging rights
• Consider class-versus-class tournaments with points toward overall competition

Freeze Dance Challenge

Modern variation adding creativity element:

• Participants dance when music plays, freeze in position when it stops
• Judges eliminate anyone moving after music ends
• Creative freeze poses encouraged (athletic stances, funny positions)
• Multiple rounds narrowing field to final champion
• Staff or teacher participation adds humor and engagement

Relay Race Competitions

Obstacle Course Relay

Physical challenge showcasing speed and coordination:

• Set up simple obstacle course across gymnasium floor
• Teams complete stations: crawl under tables, weave through cones, balance challenges
• Relay format with teammates tagging next participant
• Grade-level teams or sport teams competing against each other
• Visual excitement keeping entire audience engaged

Dizzy Bat Relay

Classic game generating guaranteed laughter:

• Participants place forehead on bat handle, spin circles predetermined number of times
• Attempt to run straight line to finish after spinning
• Relay format with teams competing for fastest combined time
• Hilarious visual entertainment as dizzy participants struggle with balance
• Safety consideration: soft landing areas and spotters preventing falls

Modern athletic facilities integrate digital displays showcasing team rosters and schedules, perfect for featuring athletes heading into competition

Tug-of-War Competitions

Traditional Class Competition

Time-tested battle requiring teamwork:

• Grade level representatives (typically 10-15 students per side)
• Best two-out-of-three format building drama
• Careful participant selection ensuring balanced competition
• Safety protocols including proper grip instruction and stopping procedures
• Faculty versus student matches adding entertainment value

Unique Participant Matchups

Creative alternatives maintaining interest:

• Honor roll students versus athletes
• Homecoming court versus student government
• Band members versus choir students
• Club presidents versus team captains
• Teachers versus seniors

Schools implementing sports banquet recognition programs find that pep rallies provide natural opportunities to preview end-of-season celebrations while building current competition excitement.

Team-Based Competitions Building Unity

Activities emphasizing cooperation strengthen both participant teams and spectator engagement.

Human Pyramid Building Contest

Timed Pyramid Challenge

Cooperative activity requiring communication:

• Teams receive two minutes to build largest stable human pyramid
• Safety requirements: spotters, mat surfaces, height restrictions
• Photography capturing final formations for judging
• Points awarded for height, stability, and creativity
• Cheerleader or gymnastics team demonstrations showing proper technique

Pyramid Dismount Coordination

Add complexity requiring complete teamwork:

• Points awarded only if pyramid dismantles without anyone falling
• Coordination and planning crucial for success
• Teaches valuable lesson about supporting teammates
• Visual metaphor for athletic team cooperation

Three-Legged Race Tournaments

Classic Partner Coordination

Simple game requiring surprising teamwork:

• Partners tie adjacent legs together at ankle
• Race predetermined distance across gymnasium
• Tournament bracket format with advancing winners
• Staff partnerships competing against student teams
• Final championship race determining ultimate winner

Multi-Person Variations

Increase difficulty and humor:

• Four-person teams with middle participants having both legs tied
• Coordination challenge escalating with additional participants
• Slower pace but higher entertainment value
• Careful course design preventing dangerous collisions

Skill-Based Challenges Showcasing Talent

Activities highlighting specific abilities create diverse recognition opportunities beyond traditional athletics.

Free Throw or Three-Point Contest

Basketball Shooting Competition

Straightforward skill demonstration:

• Participants attempt predetermined number of shots from free-throw line or three-point arc
• Highest score within time limit wins
• Athletes from different sports competing creates cross-sport engagement
• Faculty or staff participation adds entertainment
• Consider men’s and women’s basketball team members demonstrating skills

HORSE Variation

Modified game fitting rally timing:

• Two participants compete in shortened HORSE format
• Shot creativity encouraged for audience entertainment
• Quick rounds keeping pace appropriate for assembly context
• Winner advances to face next challenger
• Championship determined by surviving multiple challengers

Paper Airplane Distance Contest

Creative Engineering Challenge

Non-athletic competition appealing to different talents:

• Participants design paper airplanes attempting maximum distance
• Grade-level representatives or volunteers from audience
• Throwing attempts from designated launch line
• Physics and engineering students often excel
• Demonstrates school values academic achievement alongside athletics

Accuracy Challenge Variation

Add skill component to basic distance:

• Target zones at varying distances award different point values
• Combination of distance and accuracy determining winner
• Multiple attempts allowed with best single throw counting
• Creates strategy element beyond pure throwing power

Athletic corridor displays celebrate championship shields and team achievements, providing visual context for rally celebrations

Dance or Lip Sync Battle

Student Performance Showcase

Talent demonstration building to competition:

• Pre-selected students or groups perform prepared routines
• Variety of styles from hip-hop to comedy lip sync performances
• Audience applause meter determining winner
• Showcases performing arts alongside traditional athletics
• Requires rehearsal but generates strong audience engagement

Impromptu Dance-Off

Spontaneous energy without extensive preparation:

• Volunteers called to gymnasium floor with no advance warning
• DJ or band plays short music segments
• Participants improvise dance moves
• Judges evaluate creativity, energy, and crowd response
• Multiple rounds narrowing to final champion

Schools planning end-of-year recognition programs leverage pep rallies as preview opportunities, building anticipation for comprehensive celebration while maintaining current competition focus.

Viral Challenge Adaptations for Modern Audiences

Contemporary activities students already know from social media translate well to pep rally contexts.

Dizzy Bat or Dizzy Bottle Flip

Combined Challenge

Merge two trending activities:

• Participants spin predetermined rotations around bat or bottle
• Attempt bottle flip landing upright while dizzy
• Successfully landed flips score points or advance participants
• Multiple difficulty levels adjusting spin count
• Visual comedy from dizzy attempts generates laughter

Balloon Pop Relay

Timed Team Challenge

Fast-paced competition with clear visual progress:

• Teams receive balloons at starting line
• Participants must pop balloons using only body pressure (sitting, stepping, squeezing)
• After popping balloon, sprint back to tag next teammate
• First team popping all balloons wins
• Loud pops and frantic energy create excitement

Variation: Balloon Message Hunt

Add strategy element:

• Some balloons contain special messages or challenges
• Teams must complete challenges before advancing
• Unexpected elements maintain audience interest
• Prize opportunities for specific balloon discoveries

Faculty and Staff Participation Games

Teacher involvement creates memorable moments while demonstrating school-wide athletic support.

Teacher Dress-Up Challenge

Spirit Wear Fashion Show

Lighthearted competition showcasing school pride:

• Faculty members arrive in creative school spirit outfits
• Categories: most creative, most enthusiastic, best use of school colors
• Student or faculty judges evaluating entries
• Catwalk presentation across gymnasium floor
• Photo opportunities and social media documentation

Decades Day Variation

Theme integration when coordinated with spirit week:

• Teachers dress representing different decades
• Period-appropriate music accompanying presentations
• Historical connection to school traditions
• Educational element combined with entertainment

Staff versus Students Competitions

Athletic Challenge Matches

Direct competition highlighting good sportsmanship:

• Basketball free throw contest
• Volleyball serve or pass competition
• Soccer penalty kick showdown
• Track sprint race (with teacher head start)
• Arm wrestling or tug-of-war battles

Consider featuring coaches competing against students to demonstrate athletic staff abilities while maintaining appropriate competitive spirit.

Digital jersey displays can feature athletes competing in upcoming games, connecting rally energy to specific competitors representing the school

Principal or Administrator Challenge

School Leader Spotlight

Good-natured competitions building community:

• Principal participates in student-selected challenge
• Examples: pie-eating contest, dance-off, sports skill attempt
• Shows administrators as accessible and fun-supporting school spirit
• Win or lose creates positive memory and school culture
• Annual tradition students anticipate

Dunk Tank or Messy Consequence

Special event fundraising integration:

• Top fundraising class earns opportunity to dunk principal
• Silly string spray, pie throw, or whipped cream consequences
• Combines school spirit with charitable giving
• Careful planning ensuring dignity while allowing fun
• Photographs preserving memorable moments

Schools implementing comprehensive athletic recognition find that pep rallies provide ideal venues for announcing awards and celebrating achievements while building excitement for upcoming competition.

Creative Competitions for Large Audiences

Games designed specifically for big gymnasium or auditorium settings maximize visual impact.

Class Chant or Cheer Competition

Spirit Volume Challenge

Organized noise measurement:

• Each grade level gets opportunity to demonstrate school spirit
• Decibel meter or judge panel evaluating enthusiasm
• Pre-taught class chants ensuring organized sound
• Points toward overall class competition if applicable
• Builds to crescendo with all grades combining for school cheer

Creative Cheer Development

Advance preparation option:

• Classes develop original cheers during advisory or homeroom
• Presentations at pep rally with creativity judging
• Best cheer adopted as new school tradition
• Involves broader student participation beyond athlete-only focus

Human Foosball or Soccer

Life-Size Table Game

Innovative large-scale activity:

• Participants hold ropes or poles limiting movement to specific areas
• Ball rolled into play with teams attempting to score
• Mimics table foosball restricted motion
• Requires gymnasium space but creates unique visual
• Combines strategy with physical challenge

Target Practice Variations

Simpler implementation option:

• Participants attempt soccer ball kicks at targets
• Scoring zones with different point values
• Distance and accuracy combining for winner determination
• Quick individual attempts maintaining rally pace

Planning Your Pep Rally for Maximum Impact

Strategic organization ensures smooth execution and sustained audience engagement throughout the event.

Rally Structure and Timing

Optimal Program Flow

Successful rallies balance variety with pacing:

Opening (5-10 minutes)

• Grand entrance of teams being honored with fight song or entrance music
• Welcome from emcee (student body president, popular senior, or administrator)
• National anthem or school song establishing ceremonial tone
• Overview of rally agenda and competition format if applicable
• Initial energy builder getting entire audience participating

Main Programming (20-30 minutes)

• Mix of 3-5 games or activities maintaining variety
• Intersperse high-energy games with brief recognition moments
• Team introductions featuring starters or full roster acknowledgment
• Coach speeches (brief motivational messages, not extended talks)
• Student performances (cheerleaders, dance team, band)

Closing (5-10 minutes)

• Final high-energy activity or all-school cheer
• Fight song performance involving entire audience
• Dismissal instructions and reminder of game schedule
• Team walkout through student tunnel or designated exit creating memorable visual

Total rally length typically 30-45 minutes for high school audiences, longer events risk losing engagement.

Game Selection Strategy

Balancing Activities for Diverse Interests

Effective rallies include multiple game types:

• Physical competitions: Appeal to athletic students (relay races, sports challenges)
• Creative activities: Showcase different talents (dance battles, creative challenges)
• Humorous entertainment: Generate laughter (dizzy challenges, food identification)
• Inclusive participation: Allow broader involvement (class competitions, audience scavenger hunts)
• Unexpected elements: Create memorable moments (teacher participation, surprise guests)

Varying activity types maintains attention across different personality types and interest areas within student body.

Recognition lobbies provide natural gathering spaces before and after rallies, extending spirit building beyond the assembly itself

Safety and Risk Management

Preventing Injuries and Embarrassment

Responsible planning addresses potential problems:

Physical Safety Considerations

• Appropriate activity selection avoiding dangerous stunts
• Clear gymnasium floor free of obstacles or tripping hazards
• Adequate space between activities and audience
• Medical personnel or trained staff present for emergencies
• Backup plans for activities going wrong or equipment failures

Psychological Safety

• Voluntary participation avoiding forced involvement creating embarrassment
• Activity selection preventing humiliation or bullying situations
• Clear guidelines about appropriate cheering and audience behavior
• Teacher supervision preventing mean-spirited interactions
• Inclusive activities where diverse students can succeed

Administrative Approval

• Review all planned activities with administration before rally
• Liability considerations for physical competitions
• Documentation of safety protocols and supervision plans
• Communication with parents if particularly active games planned
• Emergency response procedures established

Schools implementing field day programs can adapt many successful activities for indoor pep rally contexts, leveraging tested games proven to engage students safely.

Incorporating School Traditions and Recognition

The most successful pep rallies balance entertainment with genuine athletic recognition and institutional tradition.

Athlete Introduction and Recognition

Team Presentation Strategies

Honoring competitors effectively:

Starting Lineup Introductions

• PA announcement with player name, position, and grade level
• Athletes run through student tunnel or stand for applause
• Brief athletic accomplishments or season statistics
• Senior recognition highlighting final season participation
• Photography capturing moment for programs and publications

Full Roster Acknowledgment Ensuring all team members receive recognition:

• Varsity and JV teams standing together demonstrating program depth
• Underclassmen acknowledgment showing program future
• Team managers, trainers, and support staff inclusion
• Coach and assistant coach introductions
• School administration acknowledgment of athletic department support

Schools implementing digital recognition displays find that athletic hall of fame systems provide natural rally content, showcasing current athletes within context of program tradition and excellence.

Highlighting Team Achievements and Records

Building Pride Through Historical Context

Connecting current teams to institutional legacy:

• Championship banners and titles in specific sports
• School records athletes are pursuing or defending
• Playoff appearance streaks and tournament success
• Recent victories over traditional rivals
• Individual athlete achievements (college commitments, all-conference selections)

Modern schools leverage solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions to display this information on large screens during rallies, showing athlete profiles and statistics that create professional presentation rivaling college and professional sports environments while celebrating individuals within program context.

Creating Lasting Rally Impact Beyond the Event

The best pep rallies generate momentum extending well beyond assembly dismissal.

Documentation and Memory Preservation

Capturing Rally Highlights

Professional documentation preserves special moments:

• Photography team (student journalists, yearbook staff) capturing action shots
• Video recording for athletes missing school or family members
• Highlight reels for social media and school website
• Best moments compilation for future rally promotion
• Documentation of traditions for historical preservation

Social Media Integration

Extending reach beyond physical attendance:

• Event hashtag encouraging student sharing
• Live posting during rally for absent community members
• Athlete spotlights featuring competitors in upcoming games
• Behind-the-scenes content showing rally preparation
• Community engagement building anticipation for competitions

Connecting Rallies to Broader Athletic Recognition

Year-Round Pride Building

Pep rallies serve as touchpoints within comprehensive recognition systems:

Athletic programs increasingly implement permanent digital recognition creating always-accessible celebration beyond episodic rallies. These systems showcase:

• Upcoming game information building anticipation between rallies
• Current season athlete profiles and statistics
• Historical program achievements providing context
• Championship memories and memorable victories
• Interactive exploration allowing personal discovery

Solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions transform brief rally recognition into permanent digital showcases accessible to current students, families, alumni, and prospective athletes. Interactive displays in athletic facilities, main lobbies, and gathering spaces extend pep rally energy throughout the school year while providing unlimited recognition capacity impossible with physical trophy cases.

Multiple coordinated displays create immersive recognition environments that reinforce rally messages throughout students' daily routines

Equipment and Budget Considerations

Practical planning ensures rally success without excessive costs or complicated logistics.

Essential Rally Equipment

Basic Infrastructure Needs

Most schools already possess necessary items:

Audio-Visual Requirements

• Quality sound system reaching entire venue with clear audio
• Microphones (wireless preferred) for emcees and participants
• Music playback capability (streaming device, laptop, or DJ equipment)
• Video display screens if showing athlete profiles or highlight videos
• Proper audio testing before student arrival preventing delays

Activity-Specific Equipment

• Sports equipment (basketballs, soccer balls, etc.) from PE department
• Chairs for musical chairs or relay station use
• Cones, markers, and boundary tape for races and courses
• Balloons, paper, and basic craft supplies for various activities
• Stopwatches or timing systems for competitive events
• Props and costume pieces for entertainment activities

Safety and Logistics

• First aid kit and ice packs for minor injuries
• Cleaning supplies for spills or messes from activities
• Extension cords and power strips for electronic needs
• Tables for equipment staging and activity stations
• Step ladders or platforms for visibility if needed

Budget-Friendly Rally Planning

Minimizing Costs While Maximizing Impact

Great rallies need not require significant expenditure:

Free or Low-Cost Activities Most effective rally games use equipment schools already own:

• Musical chairs and freeze dance (only music needed)
• Relay races using PE department equipment
• Dance and lip sync battles (no materials required)
• Tug-of-war with rope from athletic department
• Skill challenges with existing sports equipment
• Faculty competitions requiring only participation

Strategic Investment Areas

Limited budgets should prioritize:

• Quality sound system rental if school equipment inadequate ($200-500)
• Professional DJ if school lacks music expertise ($300-600)
• Spirit items for prizes (school merchandise, gift cards) ($100-300)
• Decoration supplies in school colors ($50-150)
• Photography or videography services if no student media program ($200-500)

Total basic rally costs typically range $500-1,500 with most expenses optional enhancements rather than requirements. Many successful rallies operate on minimal budgets focusing on well-executed activities rather than expensive productions.

Funding Sources

• Student government activity budgets
• Athletic booster club support
• Sponsor partnerships with local businesses (recognition during rally)
• Fundraising earlier in year specifically for rally enhancement
• PTA or parent organization contributions

Athletic hallway murals combined with digital displays create pride-building environments where rally energy extends throughout the school

Common Pep Rally Challenges and Solutions

Understanding frequent obstacles helps schools avoid predictable problems.

Challenge: Student Disengagement and Phone Use

Problem: Students treating rally as phone-scrolling time rather than engaging with program

Solutions:

• Fast-paced programming with minimal downtime between activities
• Varied game types appealing to different interests preventing boredom
• Audience participation activities making phone use impossible
• Volume and energy creating environment where phone screens pale by comparison
• Student leadership and peer influence modeling engagement
• Clear expectations communicated before rally about participation

Challenge: Inappropriate Behavior or Poor Sportsmanship

Problem: Jeering, heckling, or mean-spirited commentary during activities

Solutions:

• Pre-rally assemblies or announcements establishing behavioral expectations
• Administrator visibility and positioning throughout venue
• Immediate consequences for problematic behavior
• Positive reinforcement of appropriate cheering and support
• Activity selection avoiding situations inviting mockery
• Teacher supervision in all student sections
• Focus on celebration rather than humiliation ensuring all activities maintain dignity

Challenge: Running Over Time or Poor Pacing

Problem: Rally extending beyond scheduled period creating dismissal chaos

Solutions:

• Detailed timeline with specific minutes allocated to each element
• Designated timekeeper signaling emcee about schedule adherence
• Backup plan for cutting activities if running behind schedule
• Rehearsal or walk-through identifying time-consuming elements
• Buffer time built into schedule accounting for transitions
• Pre-determined maximum speech lengths for coaches and administrators
• Starting promptly when scheduled rather than waiting for late arrivals

Schools implementing effective talent show programs develop transferable skills in pacing, student performance coordination, and audience engagement applicable to pep rally planning.

Challenge: Lack of Volunteer Participants

Problem: Awkward silences when calling for game volunteers

Solutions:

• Pre-recruitment of participants before rally rather than asking during assembly
• Class requirements where representatives must volunteer ensuring participation
• Teacher or staff participation filling gaps when student volunteers insufficient
• Prizes or incentives making participation attractive
• Starting with activities not requiring volunteers to build energy first
• Student leader modeling by participating in early activities
• Friend group participation encouraging multiple volunteers together

Building Sustainable Rally Traditions

The most impactful pep rallies become anticipated annual traditions strengthening school culture year after year.

Signature School-Specific Games

Developing Unique Traditions

Create activities specific to your institution:

• Games honoring school founders or historical figures
• Competitions reflecting geographic location or community character
• Activities incorporating school mascot in creative ways
• Traditions dating back decades with historical significance
• Alumni involvement in special anniversary years

Student Leadership and Planning Involvement

Empowering Student Organizers

Transfer rally planning to student government or spirit committees:

• Student selection of games and activities increasing peer buy-in
• Training and transition ensuring institutional knowledge preservation
• Administrative oversight maintaining safety and appropriateness
• Budget management teaching real-world event planning skills
• Coordination with athletic department, cheerleaders, and administration

Student-planned rallies generate higher peer engagement when classmates see friends leading celebrations rather than exclusively adult-driven programming.

Entrance displays featuring team information and upcoming games extend pep rally messaging to daily student traffic patterns

Year-Over-Year Evolution

Continuous Improvement Process

Learn from each rally to strengthen future events:

Post-Rally Evaluation

• Student government or planning team debrief
• Student body feedback surveys or informal polling
• Administrator observations about logistics and management
• Athlete input about recognition and motivation impact
• Attendance and engagement level assessment

Documentation for Future Planning

• Activity descriptions and timing notes
• Equipment lists and setup requirements
• What worked well to repeat
• What should be modified or eliminated
• Volunteer and staffing notes
• Budget actual costs versus estimates

Best practice involves maintaining digital records accessible to future planning committees ensuring institutional knowledge persists through graduation and personnel changes.

Conclusion: Creating Rallies That Truly Build Spirit

Pep rallies represent far more than mandatory assemblies filling time before athletic competitions—when planned thoughtfully, they become powerful traditions uniting school communities, motivating athletes through visible support, and creating positive memories students carry for decades. The most successful rallies balance entertaining activities maintaining engagement with genuine recognition demonstrating that athletic commitment receives institutional appreciation.

By implementing the 25+ pep rally game ideas explored in this guide—from classic competitions like musical chairs and relay races to modern challenges like viral bottle flips and dance battles—schools create comprehensive rally experiences engaging students across all interests and personality types. Strategic planning addressing game selection, timing, safety, and recognition transforms rallies from obligatory events to beloved traditions strengthening school culture and competitive fire.

The recognition systems schools implement around pep rallies matter tremendously. Moving beyond brief assembly acknowledgment toward comprehensive celebration of athletic achievement creates environments where competitors feel genuinely supported. Digital recognition displays preserve rally moments permanently while connecting current events to program traditions spanning decades, transforming episodic celebrations into sustained pride building.

Your athletes deserve pep rally send-offs reflecting their dedication, preparation, and commitment to representing your school community. With appropriate game selection, inclusive participation structures, efficient timing, and recognition systems celebrating both current competitors and historical excellence, you create rally traditions students anticipate eagerly, athletes remember gratefully, and communities celebrate proudly.

Ready to enhance how your school celebrates athletic achievements and builds authentic competitive spirit? Explore how digital recognition solutions extend pep rally recognition from brief assembly moments to year-round pride builders, discover comprehensive athletic celebration strategies connecting rallies to broader recognition programs, learn about school spirit week planning integrating rallies within comprehensive culture initiatives, or see how schools showcase academic and athletic excellence through modern recognition technology building pride that motivates current athletes while inspiring future competitors.