Sports Day

School sports day is a very special event.

My children attended primary (elementary) school in Japan and as an on-looking parent I would say that sports day is the main event of the school year. Usually both parents and grandparents go along to watch.

One thing that you may be different from your own country is that there is no emphasis on being number one, here it is all about team spirit and doing your best.

For most schools the event is held on the first Sunday in October. As the second term starts in the beginning of September the focus of school life around this time is practise for sports day.

The students are divided in to 2 teams; the Red team and the White team and as they all have a reversible cap as a part of their school P.E uniform they wear their team's colour.

One of the nicest things is that the physically and mentally disabled kids who also attend the same public school, are also involved and run in the same races and dance the same dances as their classmates. The teachers guide these kids to help them keep on the track and finish the race. Also the crowd cheers on the kids so it can be quite moving.

The most popular pop songs are used to set the pace for each event and everything is carried out in a time efficient manner so what could be considered a long day (9am-3pm) goes by smoothly. The kids enjoy many events that we don't have at home for example the big ball race seen below and many dance type events and even human pyramids performed by the senior school grade.

Lunch is a tradional handmade bento (lunchbox) and the children eat with their relatives on a picnic blanket.

Hints for the day
1) Go early to get a good viewing position.
2) Take plenty of drinks.
3) Don't forget your sunscreen.