Vahe Hihifo District Athletics Day - the Action

Unfortunately for our school, attendance was not compulsory (like all the other schools which had about 100 in each of their cheeer squads) so only a handful dedicated brothers and sisters showed up to support the competitors. The kids had been in training for 6 weeks and even though we didn't win any ribbons the kids gave it their best. Dylan was selected for 100m sprint and long jump and was both nervous and excited. On the day however, in true Tongan fashion, they changed the lineup for the sprint and he didn't end up competing. He came second in his long jump heat with 3.2m. After being told that there would not be any finals we went home, only to find out the next day there was and because he wasn't there he missed out on a chance of winning a ribbon - oh well, nothing really goes to plan in Tonga sometimes.

Naomi, Emily, Jess and friend.

A few more kids from our school.

Warming up for the sprints (Dylan in black cap).

Stretching.

Dylan waiting to jump with his fellow competitors.

No rake, lots of weeds and a few holes in the runup track, but no worries.

Off he goes.

UP

and OUT

and DOWN, 3.2m

Some of the parents cheering on during the sprints.

Ualala giving the hurdles a go.

The hot track didn't stop the action, most kids ran in bare feet or just their socks.

Our girls in the baton relay.

Security at the front of the marshalling area - all kitted up to stop those naughty pushy sports parents from getting in.

Vahe Hihifo District Atheletics Day - the March Past

For the first time, the kids school, Ocean of Light combined with 3 other local village schools to compete as one group in the district atheletics carnival. With an early start (7.30am) they all lined up for the march past, following the band around the stadium, to finish in front of the VIP box for prayers and a blessing. All up there were about 12 schools competing and it made for a colourful (and long) march past.

Getting ready to go round the track.

The band in action.

Dylan and Ualala.

Good to see some Tongan pride, the only flag at the carnival.

A uniform staple, white socks and shoes.

...or bare feet does just as well.

The best sign of the day.

The best dressed school.

Team line up.

All of the schools assembled.

Heading back to get ready for action.

With military precision, competitors were marched to and from their marshalling areas.

A Busy day - Event 1 Pasikala at Liku'alofa Resort

Due to the Tsunami last week, the ride was moved to this weekend which made for a very physical weekend for the Q tribe. After we talked mum into an early rise for a 0730 ride at the other end of the Island it was all on. Our local pasikala group are attempting to educate the local villages with rides across the Island and to get them used to seeing cyclists (wearing helmets).

Most of us loaded the bikes into our cars and drove to the resort for the start.

Moo and Toot's warming up with some wave dodging.

The view back at the resort from the rock wall. After a quick prayer, the Police led off. Dyl showing off some of his tail gating skills. Possibly not the best vehicle to practise on though.

Jodie and Rochelle enjoying the sights and having a chat along the way.

After a long ride and big breaky what better way to get some feeling back into your butt than a relaxing paddle without the kids.

Only reason there were no kids was because they found a big slimy rock to skid across.

Dyl's turn. The stopping wasn't always the prettiest though.

Just in case there wasn't enough carnage, all 5 decided to go at once. Not one injury....amazing!

Event 2, to A busy day!

Event two for Saturday was TKD and with another 3months passed it was time to see how the kids are progressing in their training. We think they just like the chance to fight each other and see who's the better on the day? At the end of the day they both did very well and had a ball as usual.

Warming up with a little one on one! Strangely enough there was another set of family members sparring.

Pattern time.

Dyl's started a little nervous but finished strong!

Yvanne keeping a close eye on them.

All done!

Then it was time to have a spar with the seniors, Dyl scored Ruha and Em had Louisa.

Nearing the end of the gradings it was smiles all round.

Yvanne demonstrating some board breaking.

Lyndon's turn, light as a feather!

After nearly 3hrs in the sweat shed (as it was the middle of the day) it was straight off to the next event - Tennis. All this and Em and Dyl didn't even grade this time round.

What a way to relax! Pangi Style.

It was our last weekend together as Lyndon heads back to Townsville on Monday to bring one of his Tongan patrol boats home (VOEA SAVEA). The weather was on our side so we did the usual ring around and gathered the troops. A relaxing day was had by all and the adults even got some kid free time, this also included Lyndon and John C free time too.

Lyndon found a good way to kick off his relaxing Sunday at Pangi.

As usual, the kids made the most of the sand and got straight into burying each other.

Emily showing of her underwater camera skills, chasing Nemo.

The beach was full of star fish and these monsters were the biggest hit, although this is the best photo from the day.

Lyndon made a general comment "Who wants to go tubing and knee boarding?" This was the result - every kid on the beach jumped onboard. Everyone on the beach said they could hear the kids screaming as we did passes past the Island.

Dylan trying his luck to stand up on his knee board. Sooooo close too.

John C showing the kids how the old men do it....

..but it all came to a spectacular end. Now that's how you do it kids.

Then Jordan showed how it was done at high speed and this was the start of three beautiful flips and rolls. Followed by cheers and laughter from the boat, now that's how you excite the kids.

In typical Pangi style the heavens opened for a short period so we all move down into water. Lyndon told the girls it was good to see them drinking responsibly and watering their drinks down but don't let Big Mumma (Resort owner) catch you.