The children prepared to participate in five events: the relay, the 40-yard dash, running long jump, javelin, discus and wrestling.
The first event was the relay. The athletes had been grouped into city-states mainly for the opening ceremonies and the relay. The winning city-state was awarded with being first in line for the feast. This was the one event that we didn't practice, so it was a bit confusing for the kids...but fun to watch, nonetheless!
On your marks...
Get set...
GO!
The kids had to run to the center-line, turn around and run backwards, touch their teammate's hand and then the next athlete did the same thing until the relay was finished. While there were some very reverant and seroius moments throughout the day, everyone had a laugh during this first event, athletes and spectators alike!
The Spartans:
The thing that really struck me was that while the kids were full of smiles and obviously had so much fun throughout the entire day, they also took every event seriously and really tried their best. Some of the kids participate in sports, but not all. However, each and every one of them showed that they all are, indeed, athletes!
Below, E. and Dove prepare to dash 40 yards!
Next event: running long jump. This was one of Dove's favorite events.
Clipboards in hand, the judges looked not only the distance jumped, which was measured against each athlete's height, but also at the form and the beauty of the jump. Incidentally, two of our judges were visiting and were "real, live Greeks!" How fun!
Dove's first jump:
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