Sports Day at Nyonyori

I wasn’t supposed to be there but it was a worthwhile experience anyway.  Primary children from all the local schools had gathered to compete in various athletic activities in a large Primary school, deep in Maasai land Nyonyori.  I arrived with Bonface and the DEO. There was a bit of a flutter and a fluster as adults began to realise they had a VIP in their midst.  The DEO puffed up his chest a bit.  He was used to having this effect on people. Just then, several Maasai approached and bowed their heads.  But much to our consternation – it was to me! The DEO smiled but we all knew he wasn’t best pleased.

Hundreds of children were milling around and teachers were trying to organise them.  The age of the “Primary” pupils was very mixed – the oldest was 20 years old and he was competing against 10 year olds! It is self evident that the government schools are not really implementing the age appropriate class policy. There was a rumour that some of the competitors were not even in school but were brought along to ensure a win.

The first race we watched was the girls walking race.  There is a special style to this competition and the girls must complete 7 gigantic laps.  A teacher ran alongside and eliminated anyone who was not doing it properly.  Others dropped out by themselves.  The ground was rough and stony with many thorns from old Acacia tree branches.  The girls competed in either socks or bare feet.  Kenyan kids are so tough compared to their UK counterparts.

The long jump was incredible.  A stick sits on grooves, carved into wooden posts and this is how the height is adjusted. The method of jumping over, is to jump straight up and raise your knees to your chin as you jump over.  It was surprising how high some of the boys were able to reach.  Needless to say, the younger ones were no match for the tall 17 year olds.

I spot Teacher Edgar and Teacher Rispa who have heard that a muzungu has arrived and have come to greet me.  They deduce it must be me since I’m the only one in town – apart from Roger and Helen who are on their way back to England.  They have been sorting lunch for the 30 kids from Osiligi – plain bread and milk is the standard school packed lunch.

It is time for the boys’ 1500 metres.  It starts well and they move at quite a pace.  However, we become aware of a rumpus at the far side of the track – pupils are screaming and the spectators are running after the competitors.  The race is stopped.  It would seem that a late starter simply joined the race, half way through, from behind a bush!

The kids are clearly having a great time and give every race their all and every team mate their support. The ground may be rougher and the children may be tougher but the excitement and commitment is just the same as home.