Barefoot

A couple Fridays ago, classes did not take place in Khorixas so an Athletics (Track & Field) meet could be held. All schools in the Khorixas circuit competed so that it could send its top athletes to the regional meet in Outjo (a town 130km east of Khorixas). All learners were expected to attend and teachers expected to play a role in timing, recording, and related tasks. Kevin and I were the sole timers, so we spent the 7am to 3pm day at the finish line. (Thought you Metz's who have gotten into track meets from supporting your sons and some who still time at track meets would be interested to know!)

Many of the leareners sang in the stands. Not exactly sure about what, other than the school songs that they sang to support the athletes coming from their respective schools.

What was most noteworthy for us about watching the athletes compete was that nearly all of them- sprinters, distance runners, field event athletes- performed barefoot. A few ran in non-athletic shoes or socks. Kids here have tough feet! Probably because from the time they were young, they were running around and playing around the house or community with no shoes. Meanwhile, Kevin and I often vocalize our pain from stepping on single thorn that managed to get inside our house when we are not wearing shoes, or when the thorns go straight through your shoes anyway.

For Kevin, it was noteworthy how few of the kids were in-shape for the competition. But the fact of matter is they don't practice very much. They don't really have coaches to help train, motivate, or model for the kids. Until Kevin's school had Kevin to attend the few practices that were held this year before the meet. He even ran with the learners training, which is something they're not exactly used to!