It's kinda difficult to explain the whole sports day thing over here. At its base it's just the kids getting together and playing games and having a good time, but it's also a lot more than that. The kids spend the whole month leading up to it practicing various dance routines and learning how everything works. It's also about forming a sense of community in a way. The older kids take an increasingly participatory part in the event, leading various activities, setting things up, helping the younger children along. There are also group cheers that they all learn and perform for the teachers. All the families come and watch and everybody basically has a good time. I've been asked so many times recently if we have Sports Day in America. Understandably they seem a little disappointed when I say that we don't. Me too, I kinda feel now like I missed out.

Andrew, Great pictures. Thought I'd share with you that in Oregon City we have field day in the spring with lots of different obstacle courses, shooting baskets, hoola hoop relays, snow cones, rope climbing and sometimes a shoe toss! Seems pretty similar. Hope all is well with you. Miss you. love, Beth Beth Schalock · 2007-10-16: 22:42

That's fantastic. Yeah they really are a lot of fun. These kids are lucky too in that they get to miss a bunch of classtime leading up to the day so that they can practice all the events. They really take it seriously! Good to hear from you. -Andrew anmorris · 2007-10-17: 00:35