Kids Games, Vallier Sports Stadium, Marseilles

The big day arrives at last: the 9th May 2010. 7a.m. The sky is overcast as a few of us meet to set up the stands. The ground has drained well after yesterday’s heavy rain except for the area in front of the goals.
The times passes quickly, very quickly, and the children begin to arrive. We aren’t ready for them and try to get organised, sending children who aren’t with their group off the pitch. Last minute information is communicated to the welcome team and things fall into place little by little, the children take their places in the terraces, the t-shirts with each group’s symbol are given out, adjustments are made to the PA system, then it’s time for the official opening of our first Olympic Games at Marseilles with a dance performance and the torch is carried around the stadium before being used to light the Olympic flame (not a real one of course!).
Gilbert and Jema from LLB (Scripture Union) take over with their first presentation then the games begin. The referees and the standard bearers are all ready. The first rounds of games go well and are over before we expected so some adjustments are made.
At 12.30 its time for the lunch break. The children eat very quickly and start to wander around: it’s not easy to hold back this much energy... after a little impromptu entertainment it’s time to continue the Olympic Games. At 1p.m. a few drops of rain fall - will we have to pack up everything...?
The day’s activities come to a close, all the games are over. It’s time for a snack before the scores are announced and the medals handed out. Each child receives a medal as they all took part, but only the winning teams go home with a trophy. Some are disappointed but never mind, next year they will come back even more motivated!