Sports Fest

We just had our VIDES SportsFest. And of course, it was one of my favorite activities that we have done here at VIDES Philippines. I was totally into it. I made all the brackets for each sport (Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Soccer, Dance, Chess and Scrabble). It made me remember filing out brackets during March Madness, or looking at the schedule for the State Basketball Tourney in High School. The day is for the regular VIDES kids from each of the 6 areas to compete against each other in all the sports. The kids really looked forward to it. I was in charge of running the soccer tournament for those kids I have been teaching how to play. I originally wanted a few areas to play together to make a full team, 11 vs. 11. But I soon realized that they prefered to only play with their friends. So, I had to scratch my original plan and make up a new schedule, which made it a little difficult to make it a fair tournament. But, each team got to play 2 or 3 games each. Some only for 15-minute games because it was so hot out, it was very tiring. It was a beautiful day, no rain, thanks for the prayers! But, it was about 93 degrees during the afternoon. When the kids saw my waterbottle they begged me "Ate Tessa, can we drink your water?" They were exhausted, but I think they enjoyed very much.The championship game was between Del Pan and Recto. I was very surprised Del Pan did so well because they are so small, but very fast and the most aggressive fiesty group of kids out of all the 6 areas. After the time was over, I think we played 30 minutes, it was tied 1-1. So it all came down to a PK shoot out. One kid from each team was chosen to be the kicker and the goalie. The first boy from Del Pan kicked and missed, and the MVP, Al, from Recto made it to win the game! They were very excited, and I feel close to those kids who were on the team. The kids from each area who played soccer always come up to me right away and want to play. I am so happy for being able to organize the Sports Fest and let the kids have a opportunity to compete in a nice undercover court and a full soccer field, which is very rare.

The Champions from Recto