FINANCIALLY BETTER OFF !
While not exactly offering gold bars to the winners, the Independence Committee set aside AUD 2400 for this competition. The day was sunny and hot, but we tried to start early with Road Races (approx. 4km.) for boys and girls on the Causeway being run soon after 0700. There were still a few "DNFs" but the boys' times were fair. This event targeted under-17s (mostly from JSS.)
As you will see from the results below, we staged events for Primary, Junior Secondary (JSS), and Open age-groups. The programme was a mixture of events, some "normal" e.g. 100m., 200m., and some less normal e.g. 1000m. We included Hurdles (at minimum height) and Javelin to stimulate interest in these events. In most of the field events there were numerous particioants and on the track the Primary Boys 80m. went to 6 heats !
We continue to see former Primary School trainees coming back and competing e.g. Kimarawa and Bukitawa. Also current staff at schools took part successfully, e.g. Tiaon.
UNHURRIED BUT TO TIME !
Thanks to the presence of many officials like Athens Olympian Kakianako, the Road Races started by 0715 and finished by 0745. The main programme (first event Open Girls 3000m.) started at 0815 and we had completed 32 events by 12.00 noon ! This included 10 field events and two 4 x 200m. Relays.
As always we are grateful to all those athletes, teachers, officials, and friends who gave up their time to show an interest and participate in this annual competition. Because of you and your willingness to help each other, the events took place smoothly and without rushing.
AND SO TO LUNCH !!
After the Independence competition, we were able to wash and change and then attend a "Thank You" lunch to celebrate the happenings in Saipan. The photos do not show the food - sorry !
Last Modified on 09/07/2008 11:22