Babel of all nations
Mari-Liis Nummert
Kadrioru Stadium was full of laughter and excitement yesterday – the Opening Ceremony of ISF Athletics 2009 J. Humbert World Cup for Schools was about to begin! We explored the ground to bring you some fragments from the eventful evening!
Carla Tapia from Spain admitted that Tallinn strikes out because of the symbiosis of beautiful architecture and nature. She said she is slightly bothered by the fact that it doesn’t get dark at night, but understands that it’s just the side effect of summer. She claimed that she is here to win – unless the biggest competition from German and Russian delegations doesn’t intervene.
Estonian delegation in all modesty claimed that they see themselves as the biggest competition during the World Cup – if they beat themselves, they’re satisfied! After a while they admitted that though they theoretically compete for the same goal, they do compete against each other in a way as well.
I saw Nigerian delegation taking seat in the middle of the tribune – next to our own Estonian delegation. As soon as they heard the claps and singing from the crowd they realised that they are in the wrong end of the tribune. They switched places in seconds.
Most of the participants gathered their delegations on the left side of the tribune. They joined forces for a humanwave of joy and exitement. The wave went through the crowd and assumably stopped when they reached the Latvian delegation – not mentioning the all-peaceful Estonian delegation sitting near by.
Opening Ceremony proved that no matter nationality, cultural or religious background youngsters all around the world are the same – they always make the best of it, whilst creating a synergy that would carry this competition one step closer to a fairytale ending.
