The Olympics

Running, jumping, cheering, eating, laughing...and of course playing soccer sum up the Olympics of Colegio Vida which were March 10-11, 2011. The five elementary schools competed against each other in soccer, running (long and short races), long jump, and skipping rope. The high school competed amongst themselves, and will finish up this Monday. Here are some memories from the 2 days.

La Joya Stadium. We arrived and there were piles of dirt on the field. It took over an hour to finally have them all spread out so we could start.

All my students grades 4-7, plus the students from San Antonio, the teachers, and the KCS team.

San Antonio students running the torch around the field to begin on the second day.

Wilfido, the high school vice principal, and Eduardo, the principal, carrying the Guatemalan and school flags.

The Guatemalan flag, after singing the national anthem for almost 5 minutes.

I played on the Baja Verapaz female teachers' soccer team and we won! I scored during the game as well as in the shoot out!

Two girls teams in a shoot out.

The anouncer's stand with some profes.

Some teachers from Chicoy observing from the sidelines.

Students cheering from the stands.

Shoot out in the finals.

Doing the wave, cheering for their school.

100 meter dash

Crossing the finish line

Long jump (onto a gravel road covered in sawdust)

Some students receiving their medals

Profe Esvin pinning the medals

Getting first, second, and third place medals in different events.

First place team for boys soccer: Chicoy

First place team for girls soccer: Chijacorral

Students and teachers crowding around the vendors to get the best of the tostadas, jello, chocobananos, fruit and other yummy treats that were being sold throughout the morning.



Overall, 2 very fun sports days. A lot of preparation on the part of the teachers and staff went into making this a success. And after all the anticipation, now we go back to routine (and end of semester exams). But I am can say I had the chance to watch some very talented athletes. I had the chance to participate in the teachers' soccer game, and win! I had the chance to connect with my students outside of professional class time. This connection is really important considering how little time I spend with each student. And connecting is what it's all about.  

PS. I am very proud to say I heard many of my students speaking English outside of class time, to the team, to each other, and to me. Yay!