Sep 30, 2019
Sports day 2019
My daughter's Sports Day was last weekend. The forecast went back and forth telling us it would pour down with rain or be sunny in the morning. With only light rain forecast that morning, the school sent out the go-ahead email and my daughters left the house at their usual time bright and early.
I say "bright" but it was overcast and dreary. And by the time my husband, son and I left the house, there was a pretty heavy sprinkling.
Armed with our umbrellas, we were hopeful the weather would improve, but honestly, I was just grateful it wasn't scorching hot. Sometime during the twenty minutes we spent meandering our way to the school the rain had stopped.
Probably because of the weather there were a lot fewer people parked out around the field and not as many parents crowded around with cameras trying to take pictures of their children. Usually, I can't even squeeze close to the rope barring the parents from the field but this year I had a very clear view from anywhere.
Unfortunately, this year, because my daughters are in the higher years, their "dance" wasn't very interesting. It is actually just an exercise drill, so they spent most of the time standing to attention...
...marching...
... and posing.
They run all around the field so it is hard to keep an eye on where they are. During Sports Day last year I couldn't even find my older daughter. I miss the first two years when they danced and it was adorable. Now, it isn't that they are less adorable but they are certainly very close to young adulthood.
My younger daughter was really glad to have a job to do during the event this year. Taking on the responsibility of handing out numbers for other racers. She was thrilled.
She was less thrilled when her own turn came and she came in last place. However, according to her required essay reflecting on the event, she is more determined than ever to run faster and try harder throughout the year to build up her speed. I am hoping it isn't just words on paper and she will take up jogging with me again, but we will see.
My other daughter surprisingly came in first place.
It is surprising because she does not like running or moving her body in general. But despite her lack of motivation to run, she did great. Maybe her winning will make her like it more, but I doubt it.
They had other games like tug-o-war...
...three legged race ...
... and horse war.
Overall, this year's Sports Day was a great day.
3 Comments
KamaT
on Sep 30
Did you have to join in with anything? During my ALT days, moms and dads, and this former ALT, had to take part in the game of throwing bean bags through the netball / basketball hoop. I'm curious to know, these Sports Days seem to be such a big deal for schools in Japan but has there ever been a year when it has been rain-off and cancelled altogether, despite all the preparations that go into it? I was an ALT for about 5 years and I can't recall a Sports Day having been cancelled.
edthethe
on Sep 30
@Tomuu It was almost canceled because of the rain, and they rearranged the schedule so all of the things everyone had to practice for went first. They did away with the parent envolved event all together. I'm glad. It is a jaken game where the losing family attaches to the back of the winning family's congo line. I would much rather the net ball. I heard that last year the kindergarten's was canceled. so it does happen
KamaT
on Sep 30
@edthethe - "It is a jaken game where the losing family attaches to the back of the winning family's congo line." - Ha! Sounds good to avoided that!