Last year we hosted Deeper Life Primary School for a Football match and Netball game. Last year we won the Football match but were slaughtered in Netball. We decided a rematch was in order and it happened in May. This year we visited their school near Msitu Wa Tembo (village about 5 miles away that we pull some of our students from). Competitions were also expanded to include a debate, academics competition across multiple subjects and classes, sack races, tug of war and the traditional Football match and Netball game. In addition to games there were some skits, dances, singing and reciting of Bible verses. It also included two meals so it was a full day to start with but with Tanzanian scheduling it went into the evening/night.

We started the day with new outfits for the teachers. They were supposed to get some new uniforms for our student athletes but in typical Tanzania fashion teachers and staff get things as well. So new sweatsuits for the teachers and me. Of course the Headmaster had to have a different style to set himself apart. After distribution and modeling we loaded up for the road trip of 5 miles or 35 minutes on the big bus. We were greeted and started with the talks and performances before any competition.

The video above has a funny scene at the end.

Standard 3 vs Deeper Life Math Competition

Class 4 vs Deeper Life Science Competition

Class 5 vs Deeper Life Science Competition

Bible Verses

One of the Deeper Life students during debate.

We did well during the academic competitions winning around 80 percent of the class/subject competitions and tying them on the rest. We also won the debate, though I am not sure how it was scored as it is not a normal debate.

class 6 tug of war competition

I think Class 3 tug of war

I think class 5 girls sack race

We won the 2 tug of war competitions and 3 out of 5 races (all sack races).

Next up was the girls Netball game which we won this year. It was a lot less stressful game for our side this year and therefore a lot more fun for them. It is amazing what a little skills practice can do like passing and catching the ball.

Tumaini Netball team and coaches.

“Doctors” for the sports competitions.

Sun was setting during the Football match.

The teachers enjoy the day about as much as the students and yes they beat the drums all afternoon.

All events ended around 6:15 as it is full sunset at 6:30 almost every night of the year. We did win our Football match again-they practice all the time.

Our Football team this year.

We did get a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

We finally got on the road as it started to get dark to head 5 miles back home. But the bus broke down and no one ever has a plan for that. We were able to get hold of our School Director/Bishop and he came with his landcruiser to load up kids in multiple trips. After it was all done I got home around 9 PM.

The broken down bus on the way home. We have to keep the kids on the bus to keep them rounded up and out of traffic since cars do not slow down much at night.