By Tongan standards, I have
been quite busy since my blog post on our regional Sports Day several weeks
ago. Since then I have continued to teach my normal schedule in the morning,
but after lunch Paea, the three Class 6 boys who will compete for our region in
the finals, and I have been practicing with the Vahe Hakake 1 (East Region) team.
This means that we all pile
into Paea’s van and practice at the school with the largest field or drive to
town to prepare for the all GPS (Government Primary School) sports day on the
field at Vava’u high school, where the real event will be held. Working with Paea,
several other teachers, and the other volunteer in my region, we have spent
weeks training the kids on the events they will run in the finals. With over 30
kids from 4 different schools, running events like the 800 meters, 400, 200,
100, hurdles, shot put, long jump, and the relay race, practice has absolutely consumed
all of our time the past few weeks.
But last Wednesday, with Sports
Day finally here, Team Vahe Hahake 1
(yes there is also a Vahe Hahake 2, hence
the 1) was ready. The day was perfect for sports, slightly overcast with a consistent
breeze, protecting us from the scorching sun. Paea and I arrived a few minutes
late, having to first pick up a tent for our school district, where all of the
students and the parents would sit.
The field was packed. 6 regions
worth of kids, teachers, parents, and what is now 11 Peace Corps volunteers
were in attendance. Official from the Ministry of Education sat under a tent
placed in the center, befitting their position in Vava’u. The morning started
as all major events due, with a march around the track, lead by one of the high
school’s bands, and the kids dutifully yelling out, “Left...Right….Left…Right”
(the march is practiced more than you would think).
The whole day was a battle.
Having won the year before, our region was keen to continue the winning streak.
Starting with hurdles, which we did not practice since our region had no
hurdles, our kids were dropping like flies, putting us in a bit of a whole to
start the day. No matter, our students surged ahead in the 100, 200, and 400 meter
races, propelling us back into position to fight for first place.
Alas, we did not eventually
win, but we came in a strong second and the kids performed extremely well, with
the best performer for each female in the 3 age groups coming from our region.
It was a really fun day, one that I tried to soak in as this is last time I
will attend a sports day, and will be probably one of the last all island
spectacles I will participate in as I will most likely be home before the next
major attraction. It is certainly a bitter sweet feeling, but I, and our
terrific regional kids, made the most of the day.
Thanks for reading and enjoy
the photos from the sports.
The Class 5 girls relay race
With Sione, my first principal, and Paea, in my bright neon orange team colors
'Orleana, the best Class 6 girl, in front in orange
Competing in the long jump
The moms (and grandmoms) doing their normal dancing thing
Vahe Hahake 1 Ki Ai!
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