The jump rope team that B is on, had their "end" of the year banquet. There were about 20 kids between the ages of 7 and 10 (with one 13 yr old) gathered in the art room eating pizza, chips and cookies listening to their coach. Their coach had something nice to say about each and every one of them. They each got a certificate celebrating each child's personal skill he/she brought to the team.
The absolute best thing was watching the kids and how they reacted to each other and to each award. There were lots of "good job", "way to go", "that's awesome" and "that's so you!" It was so nice to see a team of kids being so there for each other. They are not even a team that technically plays like a team (think soccer, baseball, etc). They compete against clocks (for speed) and have judges judge them in freestyle. Often times they are competing against one another as well as other "teams". Yet, they are a team because they support one another.
The last award was a true all around sportsman award. It was voted on by the kids. The coach read some of the comments that the kids had written about the kids that didn't win. A first grade brother of a fourth grade girl wrote, "I vote for my sister because I love her." Then he had written an alternate winner too. "I also vote for B because she has nice hair." How adorable is that? Of course, B got right into it and took her hair out of the pony tail it was in so Dan could get a better look. The winner of the trophy was actually my nephew. The coach read what B had written about him. She said that he was inspirational, a great jumper, always helpful showing the kids new tricks and a great friend. I am not sure who I was more proud of at that moment. J for winning, or B for what she had written.
8 of these kids (and their moms) are heading to Galveston, Texas for the USA Jump Rope Nationals in a week and 1/2. I couldn't be more proud to travel with this group of kids!
