Track Meet

I’m literally KICKING myself for not taking pictures of this, but today my school had a track meet.

Middle schools/high school sports in Namibia only last from January to February every year, and then they end abruptly until the next year. There’s not much training but still everyone takes it really seriously (some schools don’t even start teaching until after the “season” is over). The three sports are soccer, netball, and track (3,000, 1,500, 800, 200 and 100 meter races) – which we did today. I went as as a supportive “parent”, but then of course was appointed by the teachers to be a judge. It was really entertaining to compare a village track meet with my cross country races in the States.

Similarities:

• We had a judges table with a tent (very official)
• And a standard sized track
• Everyone was cheering in the normal fashion
• They also compete with other schools, both locally and throughout the country.

Differences:

• The meet started 2 hours late
• The track was a made by week-wackers and some determined students last week. Its just a mud circle in a field, still effective though!
• Runners were wearing skirts and jeans. And were barefoot. I don’t think that slowed them down though

Then after a long day of running, the kids abruptly left to go plow their fields. No rest for the weary, right?

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