If any of you thought that all the Olympic fun was in London, think again! Last night at the Police school playing fields Masaka, Uganda the official EAP 2012 Olympics were held. Only 6 countries participate, Uganda, Guatemala, Azerbaijan, Nigeria , Denmark and Austria, but the competition was stiff. As the Olympic touch was lit (using Kerosene) and the newly painted Olympic rings (old car tyres) where raised, there were tears in the eyes of the competitors who were so proud and excited to be part of such an amazing opening ceremony (which lasted a whole 3 minutes).
As the teams lined up for the first race tensions were running high. The wheel barrow relay is a formidable event to start such a games and the excitement was almost too hard to bare. As the whistle sounded Guatemala took an early lead until their competitors Amy and Steph fell, which allowed the new comers Head master Moses and EAP welder Geofrey to take the first gold of the evening for Guatemala. It was not clear if it was the cheering of the crowd or utter hilarity of the spectacle that brought in more and more spectators but the atmosphere was electric.
And so began the preparation for the Olympic sack race, which as I’m sure everyone all over the world knows is one of Nigeria specialities. All was silent before the referee brought up the whilst to start the race when Denmark’s highest ranked sack-jumper jumped the gun, there was cries from the crowd, confusion all around! Finally after the long delay the race was ready to begin. There was but one slight issue with the race, being that half of the competitor had never raced the Sack before. Unsurprisingly Nigeria took the early lead, quickly followed by Austria and Azerbaijan. With a tenancy become clear of failure to stay on their feet the Guatemalans again fell, this time twice, which lead to roars of laughter from the crowed. The finish was tense but as expected the Nigerian’s team took the Gold.
More controversy was had when at the start of the egg and spoon race team Uganda and team Denmark were accused and found guilty of using chewing gum on their spoons. Once this had been cleared up and all gum removed the race started. The organisers had failed to inform the competitors that the eggs were not boiled and only team Azerbaijan and Guatemala finished with egg still in tact, this lefts a scrabble for the bronze medal.
The overall leader board had Team Nigeria in front closely followed by Guatemala so all rested on the final event. The most famous of all Olympic events believed to date back to the very first Olympian in ancient Greece, the three legged race. As is custom only two entrants from each team are required. The athletes lined up for this final race to decide the champions and the tension mounted. The starter whistle blew and they were off. No falls on the first leg but on the return leg when all teams were Guatemala ended theirs with a spectacular fall! After that Denmark also suffered from lack of coordination and joined Guatemala on the deck. This just left the other four teams to battle it out. The hot favourites Nigeria were piped at the post by Azerbaijan. But it was celebrations for both teams as Azerbaijan took gold and Nigeria took the games.
After the medals, anthems it was time for the closing ceremony. As is custom the host that year (Masaka Police School) served up the Olympic feast of Rice, Beans, Potatoes and Roasted Goat. The EAP Olympics 2012 drew to a close and we all went to bed.
August 1, 2012
