The competitors were of all ages- from all levels of high school to elementary school students. In fact, one of the most exciting victories was a nine-year-old boy from the Iraq Olympic Champion School. He finished the 3000-meter race in just over nine minutes. All participants ran their hearts out- many of them collapsed as soon as they crossed the finish line, completely drained from the exertion.
The youngsters from Iraq were quite a sight- they are so small and so fierce. With bright blue spandex uniforms and matching warm-up suits, they were by far the most professional looking team. They certainly lived up to their image on the track as well; their passion was intense and palpable. We kept forgetting they were actually children and not freakishly tiny adult athletes.
Many staff and faculty helped with timing and organizing the events with the Athletic Department and were able to befriend many of the young athletes. Nayab even lent her Andover jacket to a shivering Iraqi runner while he watched his teammates from the sideline.
The award ceremony at the end of the weekend celebrated all of the teams and their respective countries- flags waved and cheers rang. The tournament was a huge event that really shone an athletic light on KA and I hope it will become an annual happening for our students.
