Sports Day

At ISM, all the kids are divided into 3 houses and compete in swimming and sports events throughout the year in hopes of winning the house cup (kind of like Harry Potter). The teams are comprised of kids ages 5 to 16 and competition is both fierce and friendly.

This was Ava's first year to compete and she was very excited. Her class had been practicing running, jumping, and throwing for weeks so she was very ready to participate! She ran the 100 meter, did the long jump, and the frisbee throw.

Noah's the most competitive of the family. He did the 100, 200, and 400 meter run (earning a 1st place in the 100!) as well as the long jump, and shotput.

Cameron ran the 100, 200, and 400, as well as the shotput and javelin, getting 2nd in the javelin. There were also events for parents and teachers--egg carry, tug of war, and relay races.

At the end the Blue team proved to be the best that day. I feel a bit sappy saying this, but the school really is like a family. One of the very best things they do is involve kids of all ages in activities together. Secondary kids encourage the younger ones, the littles line the race course to cheer on their older team mates, the team captains work tirelessly to make sure everyone is participating and having fun, and parents and teachers get to see the great results. It's the benefits of living and working and going to school in a small town where everyone knows everyone and feels invested in what's happening (granted, the small town and everyone involved can have its drawbacks, too, I know). Being a part of ISM has been one of the best experiences of being here in Tanzania. Our kids are so confident and enthusiastic and positive about everything about school--it's great!