Sports Galore

Yes. That is a student breathing fire. What, this doesn't happen at your school?

Sports day at PCC: Three days of epic battle between four teams (red, yellow, blue and green) staged on courts and fields across the campus, complete with opening and closing ceremonies and of course, cheerleading competitions. Mattayom 6 (12th grade) performed elaborate dances for the opening and closing ceremonies. The teams competed in volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and field, a few traditional Thai sports, and most importantly, cheerleading. Everyone says Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and ok, I guess it is, but as far as high schools and universities go, it's ALL about cheerleading.

Throughout Sports Day, once again, I found myself impressed by the students of PCC! They plan the entire event, design, choreograph and coach all of the sports themselves. The teachers hang around to make sure no one dies and that's it - the students really run the show. They are such talented kids, I find myself wondering how these sorts of activities would have worked at my high school, and I'm not sure it would have gone nearly as smoothly. I saw some of my students rockin' out some intense dance moves, killin' it on the volleyball court or coaching basketball. It was a good opportunity to see other sides of them, and other skills they have. It also gave me more insight into the kinds of resources these students have access to, that so many students in the U.S. (including my favorite high school students - you know who you are) don't have. The students paid for all of their costumes and decorations. It was especially jarring after spending Thanksgiving in Bangkok, and hearing about the other ETA's experiences at their schools, some of which are in low-income areas across the country. The whole thing brings up issues I railed against in the U.S. - access to education independent of resources and class.

But anywho. Back to fun photos.

P'Tah (the guidance counselor who I adore) and me. She is awesome.

Where us teachers watched the opening festivities from. Jessie is enjoying herself. I promise.

Part of the M6 opening performance.

This kid rocked the traditional Thai dance like it was nobody's biznass.

It may seem that Sports Day is about the kids and athletic rivalry and sportsmanship, and yadda yadda yadda. But the most important part of Sports Day is this: Jessie and I finally got our tailor-made PCC track suits!!!!!!!! Every Wednesday is "Sports Day" at PCC which means that the teachers can take a break from the skirts and heels and wear their track suits and sneakers. Needless to say, this is my favorite day of the week - now that I can sport my track suit. Check. It. Out.

My name in Thai and the seal of the school.

Well. I think that's enough fun for one blog post. I hope you enjoyed our foray into the land of athletic competitions and attire. This weekend Jessie and a couple of her friends and I went on a trek into the hills of Chiang Rai to visit some hill tribes. Decidedly a more somber and thought-provoking experience than Sports Day. Next time.

Keep it real,

Ali