Boxcar Racing
The school year is drawing to a close. One of the yearly rituals of Anna’s aftercare is to participate in a boxcar race (kassabíla-rallý) against the other aftercares in this part of town. The centers made a big deal about it, had a parade downtown and then took over one of the squares for the racing. There were four centers present, three with first and second graders, and one with third and fourth graders (not nearly as many third and fourth graders go to aftercare as first and second graders).
There were many races run. The older kids had third-grade-girls vs. fourth-grade-girls, and the same for boys. The remaining centers had competitions between centers per gender per age. Anna was chosen by her center (after they timed the kids) to be one of three girls in her age group to race for her center, and they crushed the competition! Now, it must be said that Anna’s center had by far the best car: lightest, best wheels, and pushbar up high, so that probably made it easier. But still, it was awesome! 🙂
It was a rainy day! Here are the third and fourth graders by Ingolf's Square.
My brother, Nökkvi, works for the center with the oldest kids. Their color was red... 🙂
Looking from the older kids towards Anna's center. The other two centers were on the right.
Anna and her group. They were the blue team.
The five race-cars. The two red cars belonged to the older kids. Anna's center had the small green one on the right.
Racers ready... They had two different starting positions to minimize the risk of collisions.
Running the course. They had to run to the chair/person, around the chair/person and back again.
Anna's center won every single race they participated in except for the staff girls. Wild jubilations erupted every time they won. 🙂
Here is a video of Anna racing. She’s got her jacket hood up, and is pushing the car that is the farthest away.
After the competition was over, the major showed up to hand out awards. Anna’s win counted towards “fastest car” while other awards were given out for various categories, virtually guaranteeing that every center got something.
Awards being handed out.
After the award-ceremony a couple of performers came out to do some acrobatics. They were pretty good and pretty funny!
Good times! 🙂