Annual Basketball/Volleyball Tournament

Kids lining up to serve

This weekend Nanwalek held their annual Susan Tanape Basketball/Volleyball Tournament.  Mrs. Tanape was clearly very respected and loved by many in the community.  After she lost her battle with breast cancer her family began a foundation in her name to support children's activities in the village.  They begin the events on Thursday with a community banquet in the school gym.  Everything about the banquet was very nice, but to me the most touching part was a poem reading in their native language, Suq'stun.  I enjoyed the opportunity to see the community come together is such a beautiful way to remember one they cherished so dearly and continue on a cause she felt was so important.

It was clear from the number of teams in the tournament and the number of people who came to watch that this community really gets into sports.  The games begin on Friday and continue throughout the day Saturday.  As a reminder of their reason for gathering, the basketball used is pink for breast cancer and they use two volleyballs, one pink for breast cancer and one purple for domestic violence awareness.  Mike played both basketball and volleyball in the tournament and also did a little refereeing in between his games, but this coordinationally challenged girl sat out the games.  I still managed to get clocked in the head with a volleyball and barely dodged several basketballs.  In a small space, I am reminded quickly why I never played team sports (besides the total lack of hand-eye or any other coordination).  Simply put, my head is a ball magnet.