Another Sports Day

This is not the first time that something about Sports Day has appeared on this blog.  But is always an event we look forward to, not just because of the fun and watching the different races and performances, but also because it is such a cultural experience.  Lorna is now well up on what to prepare for the lunch-time feast, but she does not get up as early as some mothers who are literally up at the crack of down to get everything ready.  This year we had the unusual experience of the Sports Day being postponed the day before because of some changeable weather, including it seems possible thunderstorms, which were supposedly on their way.  It turns out that many schools in Sapporo followed the 'advice' (if that is the right word) to move the Sports Day back one day to the Sunday when only sun was forecast.  We have now experienced 12 years of Sports Day in Japan and one thing we have learned is that the weather is indeed changeable and the weather forecast is almost completely unreliable.  So we were very surprised that a decision was taken to postpone the Sports Day the day before rather than wait till the morning and see how things were - as would usually be the case.  As it happens, the Saturday turned out to be a perfect day for Sports Day (when it did not happen) and the Sunday was not so nice.  However, it did not rain and brightened up eventually so we had a great day. 

This time it was Calum's last Sports Day and he enjoyed the extra responsibilities the 6th grade children were given.  He also excelled in the different races and team events he was in.  Alistair did well too.  And both boys ended up in the overall winning team so it was cheers all round in the Ferguson household.  Sports Day is done so well here - from the dance performances (a very energetic, fast-moving popular dance) to team events, one of which ended up with two children climbing up a pole held by other children, to the due sense of ceremony with speeches, bowing and celebration.  Everyone has a part to play, whether they are sporty or not.  There is a great sense of camaraderie among the cheering parents, grandparents and other friends who turn up.  It truly is a community occasion.