Up at Kemble the raspberries and beans need picking but we're in the city volunteering behind the scenes at the PanAm Games. All the grumbling before the Games about traffic congestion and the billions spent has changed to cheering and excitement at the competitions. The free entertainment at the outdoor venues is a big draw ---- wanna win a Corvette? Or maybe just line up for a free ice cream bar. The acts range from muggy-weather blues bands to new-era tap dancing to a rolling DixieLand Wheel. All Canadian, of course.
The first assignment was very discouraging, almost "I'm quitting" stuff. Standing around at the back of the buildings, guarding the loading docks or checking I.D at the practice courts. Most exciting back there?? The court-cleaning after training sessions. Not exactly motivating.
But all that changed in the last few days. The serious matches have begun and the job is now to host the crowds and channel the enthusiasm --- literally, to the right seats. Marshaling in the stands, I get my first-ever look at handball. (It used to be 2 guys in an enclosed court whipping a little black ball against a wall.) It's a cross between dodgeball and rugby. Fierce and brutal, and the goalie doesn't have much of a chance: scores are like 35 to 27! Also on are women's and men's volleyball.
Hardest ticket of the week was women's volleyball, Canada vs. Cuba. The 5,000 exuberant fans lined up and then almost knocked us down racing to the stands. These players are awesome in strength, strategy, and focus; amazing saves and spikes. After all the roaring and chanting, Canada wins!! I thought the walls would come tumbling down from the noise and stomping. Goose bump stuff.
Next up was U.S. vs Puerto Rico, etc. This morning the standings show USA in a narrow overall lead, after Canada led in gold medals all week. But we're giving a special Gold Medal to two of our favourite Americans, Nikki and Christie, this week for the safe arrival of twins Conner and Marion. Mixed volleyball, anyone??
But all that changed in the last few days. The serious matches have begun and the job is now to host the crowds and channel the enthusiasm --- literally, to the right seats. Marshaling in the stands, I get my first-ever look at handball. (It used to be 2 guys in an enclosed court whipping a little black ball against a wall.) It's a cross between dodgeball and rugby. Fierce and brutal, and the goalie doesn't have much of a chance: scores are like 35 to 27! Also on are women's and men's volleyball.
Hardest ticket of the week was women's volleyball, Canada vs. Cuba. The 5,000 exuberant fans lined up and then almost knocked us down racing to the stands. These players are awesome in strength, strategy, and focus; amazing saves and spikes. After all the roaring and chanting, Canada wins!! I thought the walls would come tumbling down from the noise and stomping. Goose bump stuff.
Next up was U.S. vs Puerto Rico, etc. This morning the standings show USA in a narrow overall lead, after Canada led in gold medals all week. But we're giving a special Gold Medal to two of our favourite Americans, Nikki and Christie, this week for the safe arrival of twins Conner and Marion. Mixed volleyball, anyone??
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