To all of our sports fans, the students had an internal sports competition over the past couple of weeks: The Mbuzi Cup, consisting of competition between the Forms in boys’ soccer and girls’ netball. Joanne’s Pre-Form teams were feared contenders with such a large body of students to draw from (330); their fans certainly overwhelmed the others, and Joanne was in the midst of the cheering crowd. However, Gary’s Form III (although he couldn’t really show favoritism as a teacher for all Forms) dominated due to their years of experience playing as teams. Something to note, however, is that an all-star team was formed, and quite a few Pre-Form players were chosen. They traveled to Mlowo, but the match was stopped short of completion because the other team was getting a bit hostile (European soccer?). Although we have some very competitive types, I was proud of their self-control and good sportsmanship.
The winner of the Mbuzi Cup (Form III) got a big, 7 hour celebration, complete with mbuzi (goat) dinner. As it turned out, many students from all Forms attended. There were speeches, congratulations, dance competition (boys and girls separately, not as couples), and food. They also had a fund raiser for the athletic department; people offered money to see a student or faculty member perform. If the person didn’t want to do what was asked (sing, dance, do push-ups, etc.) he or she had to pay a larger sum. It was well attended and was still going on hours after we went home.
As a side note, the balls used in competition were donated by our wonderful supporters in America. The balls they normally play with would be passed over in an American garage sale, so “thank you very much” to those who sent the World Cup replica and other sports balls. The students literally freaked out when they were brought onto the field. It made them feel . . . wonderful.
Thank you all for making some very special contributions to the lives of these students.
Love and grace to all,
Gary and Joanne Grenell, your ambassadors in Christ to Tanzania
