Seiryo's Sports Festival

The much anticipated Sports Day finally arrives!

There was a little bit of worrying happening at school because the weather forecast predicted rain all day today.. the forecast was closely followed for the last 2-3 days. Some of the head teachers had a meeting this morning at 5:30am to decide whether to go ahead with the Sports Festival or postpone it till Tuesday.

According to the forecast at 5:30am, there was a chance of rain but no thurnderstorm so they gave it the go ahead. They notified the rest of the staff and student body of their decision. They have a very efficient telephone calling system which allows everyone to be contacted in a short period of time....all 900 people. It's quite amazing...

The day begins with the taiso(I think that's what it's called..), a warm up that's done nation-wide to a particular song.

Amanda had such a good time at the Cultural festival that she wanted to come to another one of the school's events. She had to head back to her school for practice though, so was only able to stay for the morning. It worked out well because I had planned to go over to Bunko to visit their Sports Festival before lunch.

Hayashida sensei was teaching at Seiryo last year, before being transfered to Shimabara. I didn't know that she was planning to come today, it was a nice surprise to see her!

The school is divided into four different coloured 'blocks': Red, Blue, Pink and Yellow. Each 'block' is made up of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students. It helps build strong bonds between the different grades, as well as within each homeroom class. The students build huge mascots and paint a large panel which is displayed on the day. The leaders of each group (some of the 3rd year students), wear happis that they decorate themselves, like the one shown below.

The amount of work and preparating that goes into planning this kind of event is unbelievable.

Throughout the day, students took part in all kinds of races, did dances, had a cheering competition etc.

Teachers participated in one of the relays. Below is Okazaki sensei passing me the baton.

A little before lunch, I headed to Bunko's Sports day. As opposed to the 800 some students, and 400 expected visitors, Bunko has only 42 students, and maybe a dozen visitors who showed up. But I love them! Below are some of the students who graduated last March, it was nice to see them again.

I arrived in time to catch the last race. I didn't realize that they would finish so early..I hung around and helped with the clean-up then went back to Seiryo.

After the festival is over, and the winning block is announced (based on the results of the races, the cheering contest, the mascot and the panel), everyone helps clean up. Tents are taken down, chairs brought back to the classrooms, etc.. Once clean up is done, everyone gathers in the school ground. The leader of each 'block' stands up on the podium and shares their experience of the day with everyone. It's very emotional, some cry. This will be the last Sports festival for the 3rd year students.

Before ending, everyone participates in a folk dance.

The sun setting as I leave the school grounds.