Sports Day

Last Friday there were no classes because we had sports day. For about a month leading up to sports day we have been having classes cancelled all over the place for "sports day practice". I thought how much practice do these kids need to run a few races, do long jump and shot put. Korean sports days have a lot more to them than just that. It started with an entire student body 10 minute stretch/tai chi kinda thing. Apparently this is a nation wide sports day warm up/cool down routine. The P.E. teacher was in his element up on the stage leading all the kids (and teachers).

Each year level had their own 5-10 minute dance performance (now I understand why some much time was needed to practice).

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5 and 6

Between all the performances there were running races, but no other track and field events like discus, long jump etc....

The parents and older siblings even got to run. The grandparents didn't run but they did do a relay where they had to push a giant ball around a pole.

Finally it was my time to shine! The teacher vs parents relay. Ashley (the other native teacher) ran first against a mother we had seen blitz the parents races. Ashley managed to beat her. I ran 3rd last and by that time the teachers team was well and truly behind. I didn't lose any more ground, but I didn't make up much. All this week the students have been saying "Ashley, good runner" then they look at me and either say nothing or say (not very convincingly) "you too....."

The day ended with another insanely cute school stretching session.