Athletics Day

Today was school athletics day. While this does not seem out of the ordinary to the readers of this blog, the whole proceedings are quite surreal. Athletics starts around 8:35 am when the temperature is just climbing into the early 30’s and we continue through to 12:30pm, just as the sun is reaching its zenith. Our school is surrounded and protected by a huge wall, so there is no breeze coming in. Any event that involves running especially the sprints are a display of most unusual styles. The cliential at our school all arrive and leave with their drivers and nannies and return home to watch TV or use the latest technological wonder gadget in the comfort of their living room. Walking and exercise are not routine. Some children just can’t run, they lope along, a bit like a diver walking with flippers. The hundred meter sprint is vastly modified distance wise so that all the children can complete and achieve. Many parents of course come along to support their children. Supporting your children means taking many photos and video of your children completing with of course very powerful cameras or new gadgets. Supporting your child, means that you have to be as close to the action as possible to get the best snap. That involves being in the jumping pit when your child jumps. Or on the track, when your child runs. While this in itself is a hassle the children are encouraged and visibly supported. Dehydration is an issue under these

circumstances, so there are many water dispensers all around the grounds. The school ethos requires hats outside. Hats are standard issue with the uniform. All the children wear hats, even while they compete. I was helping to run the high jump and one or two of the older students had a very neat style. I also ran a leg in the staff relay, in which we were triumphant. A genuine 100 m at the close of the day in about 34 degrees. So there is some life left in the old girl!.