SPORTS DAY Oct 2009

Sports Day began when Japan first held an Olympics in 1964. They decided it was a good time to start an emphasis on physical health.
Our event was held on a sunny day at the middle school's sports yard. This year, William got to march in the parade that begins it all.
Tom-tom drum it is, and he was doing a bang-up job of it, too!
He was so excited about being in the Olympic Torch relay. He's waiting for it...
... and he's off!
At speed, he's literally flying here, no feet are touching the ground. Or at least in this photo...
... and this photo. :)
... and this photo.
The next kid ran it to this cauldron...
And lit it up. It's amazing what detail they go to here. It was all safe and sane... paper!
This year, William got to be in the acrobat type stuff. Jowanzo, William and Michael make up a pyramid.
Another pyramid, of sorts.
And then there was rythmic dance. The white shorts get pretty dirty doing all of this.
Tug of war is a staple here in Japan. The Sumo got to be on one side, with all the kids on the other.
And then, there was the dance to music. William had told us about the torch relay. He'd told us about the gymnastic pyramid stuff. So, we were totally unprepared that he would be out there doing a dance with a sunflower on his head!
They marched in concentric circles. It was like synchronized swimming, without the water.
Really? A flower on my son's head? But, he did really well! Aha... more embarrassing pictures to pull out when he's older... :)
If you double-click, you'll see how the Japanese 'start' their races. It looks like they're getting ready to do archery, not run. But, William still makes this stand when he's about to start a race!
William didn't get a bad start on his heat.
But, he has this habit of looking at his running mates, which stops him from going forward fastest.
I now tell him to not look to the side, only the finish line!
They called this a show. A third place finish for William.
I'm in yellow, pinning on the winner ribbons. They were all winners!
This is what they call the calvary. I'm sure something's lost in translation. But, it is this: You try to take as many hats off the other team's heads as you can. If you lose your hat, you're out of the game.
Tim said his strategy was to keep running. If you stop, they can get you! Notice, William got one hat!
There were a couple of other tall dad's there, so it wasn't like there was a particular unfair advantage.
Keep running!
William and BFF Jowanzo got on opposing teams. J-zo's dad is tall, and a faster runner than Tim. They had decided to not try to get each other's hats. This is them shaking hands.

It was a fun day in the sun. I made lemon bars for the bake sale. They were ultra popular, and got rave reviews. A good time was had by all!