Prize-giving and Athletics

Oh my, I just realized that I haven’t updated my blog this week. I guess I was thrown off because a favorite PCV stayed with me Sunday and then had to stay another night when she could not get a ride back to her village on Monday. Anyway…

Last Thursday was the prize-giving ceremony at our school. They do it a little different in that the 12th graders, the graduates, are recognized at the end of the school year, back in November or December. The previous year’s 8th – 11th graders are recognized at the beginning of the new year. It makes sense because school is out once the year-end marks are finalized. I was honored to hand out awards to the ordinary level 11th graders who are this year’s 12th graders. We were entertained by the school choir.

On Saturday, I volunteered to be an official at the regional athletic tournament. I recorded the distances measured for the discus event. During the event, I met Hella Kuppe who will turn 80 this year. She is a strikingly fit woman who has traveled the world representing Namibia in World Veteran (senior) Championships. She’s been Namibia’s sportswoman of the year three times and she only started participating in athletics (i.e., track and field) in her 40s. Prior to athletics, she was an avid hockey and softball player.

I didn’t know any of this when I arrived at the discus venue. She was already there. I introduced myself and she said she was waiting to throw. I thought she was a volunteer like me and laughed. Little did I know that she was serious. Her current events are discus and javelin since she can’t run and jump like she used to. I thoroughly enjoyed learning her story and talking with this amazingly humble woman. In another day and time, I am convinced she could have been an Olympic athlete.

I learned that veteran (senior citizens, not military) and disabled athletes can participate at sanctioned events to qualify for more specific tournaments and events in their categories. The discus event I officiated also included 5 adult disabled adults. One female dwarf (the term she used), one female and two males with other physical disabilities and one with Down’s Syndrome. I was encouraged and surprised to see how inclusive this athletic event was and to know it provides an opportunity for a select few to eventually participate in the Special Olympics. Amazing.

All for now with all my love,
Ellen