Field Day at Bingham Academy

Does it seem real to have a ‘field day’ for students in January? Usually January means a ‘snow day’ instead, no school. But January is one of the warmer months in Ethiopia. Even with extremely low humidity and temperatures in the high 70’s (20’s C) it was pleasant in the shade. But those out in the sun over time had to guard against dehydration, it is so easy to forget to drink liquids when the climate is so agreeable (but dry).

Abigail at the beginning of the race, on the far right.

Amani, Abby and Sophia all participated in the two days. Races of running, obstacle courses, hurdles, track and field events (Sophia was in the softball throw). The girls all brought home ribbons for their participation (mostly red and yellow, but a couple of blue ribbons as well). Parents were encouraged to participate as well. I was a judge for the races, Wanda volunteered for snack and drink duty (lucky her, they had more than enough volunteers for that so she mostly just watched).

The 2 field days were Friday and Saturday with Monday off school. I don’t know why Saturday was needed (why not just have field days on Thursday and Friday?) but it was a required day. Wanda and I had work to do but still were curious about the whole thing and so we volunteered and ‘spectated’. The students are divided up into 3 ‘houses’; Taylor, Carey, and Scott (just like in the popular Harry Potter series). Our girls are all in Taylor (go red!).

A broader look at the Bingham Field Day.

In the end, after all the K-12 children had finished their events they had a couple of races for the teachers and adults. All in fun of course but it was fun to see the adults out on the track in the long events. The youngest ones were the leaders and victors of course, some who are able to run daily were quite far ahead of the pack. Our girls, now that they know what Bingham Field Days are all about, will enter even more events next year.