The whole event kicked off with the students running around the track, in formation, to the drill of a whistle. This was followed by an 'en masse' gymnastics routine, before the competitive events began. With events ranging from eating a banana as fast as possible, to burying faces in dishes of flour in search of coins, to blowing up a balloon until it pops. Instead of an egg and spoon race, there was a lemon and spoon race; consumption of eggs goes against the religious beliefs of many of the local people.
The cycling race and obstacle relay were highly contested events, drowned out by chants of "SPS" (Srirajni Primary School). Health and safety was thrown out of the window as the ten cyclists lined up together on the track and then proceeded around the course, narrowly avoided missing the children who had been selected as martials for the event.
I was introduced to the traditional Indian game of kabaddi (a team game involving wrestling/tag and continual chanting of "kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi") and was compelled to join in with the teachers vs students game of musical chairs . I managed to rake in a bronze medal position which I was very pleased with; running around in a sari is no easy task!
Sports Day, as an important school function, involved us having to wear saris for the first time. In their endless array of patterns and colours, I am sure that I will be returning home with a small wardrobe of them. However, NO ONE tells you how difficult they are to tie: a blur of folds, pleats, pins and tucks. Definitely a skill that I'm going to have to master. Thankfully, day-to-day wear here consists of the traditional Salwar Kameez (baggy trousers, tunic and scarf), so 7:30am sari tying is not something I have to worry about. I have over month now to hone my sari skills before the next big occasion, DIWALI.
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| Katie looking cute |
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