Kids from Belarus
My personal account of their
visit.
Cursing the Kidderminster traffic, running late, I arrived
at the club house.
Loud audible instructions from Ben (Master of
ceremony) could be heard above the giggles of excitement.
A brilliant sunny day for them I thought.
Ben approached. "Are you getting on the water" he said, before I could provide him with any excuses of being knackered. "Yes, Yes". He said
with a smile, promptly removing any thoughts I had of backsliding. "I’ll kit up".
I said.
Ben gathered the help.
Dave, Tom, Jonathan, Anthony, Jason, Jordan, Jamie, Trevor, Keith.
Just stop them from drifting down stream.
He added, and they are all going to get wet.
Dave, Tom, Jonathan, Anthony, Jason, Jordan, Jamie, Trevor, Keith.
Just stop them from drifting down stream.
He added, and they are all going to get wet.
So began
the evening with a safety demo followed by games and general mayhem.
Before we
knew it the evening was over. Cookies where consumed, presents were exchanged. And
the kids were gone.
As they were
leaving, I overheard one of the sponsors - If this group is anything like the
previous years, they will talk about it for a long time to come.
Yes I
thought. Just as we will talk about it for a long time too.
Remember the
excitement of Ben shouting above the giggles and laughter.
Remember the
dunking Tom got and Trevor hiding, so we would not tip him in.
Remember the
screams of a four year old, demanding to be allowed to get in a kayak.
Remember the six year old who just knew how to paddle. He just knew.
Remember the
interpreter, who did not want to be splashed.
The kids
visit reminded me of why I paddle.
So. I would like to thank all the kids from Belarus for coming to Wyre
Forest Canoe club and allowing us to play. I know all of you had fun. We definitely did.
The evening
was as much about them as it was about us.
Thanks to
all who helped
Bill and
Ali for the Bank work and taking pictures
Sue for
the food and cake
Norman for being Norman
And Not forgetting Ben
And Not forgetting Ben
Thank you for
the amazing memories.
Zaf