Yesterday there was a huge party for 500 orphans at a local orphanage organised by FNB (one of the main banks over here). We went along to run a 5-a-side soccer tournament for the kids. I say 'we', I mean the Lionsraw boys - but they made me official time-keeper for the matches. This was a brilliant job because I got to use the emergency hooter thing and give everyone around me a shock every few minutes! (next time I'd like a megaphone as well, just for the fun of it!)
We got there early to set up and watched all the marquees and jumping castles being put up. This was a big event, they had about 8 inflatables there, 3 of which were waterslides and involved much soapy water and mud. As the kids fell off the end they created a lovely pool of mud which was gradually carried onto the slides as they rushed back on. But they didn't care, it was baking hot and sunny and waterslides were very popular. Good job too that FNB gave each child a towel as they arrived!
There was also a marquee with a talent show stage, another place for face-painting and popcorn, and several clowns wandering around, one of whom was on stilts and too tall to get into the shade of the marquees!
We had almost as many girls wanting to play soccer as boys, but with all the excitement of the other attractions (notably the inflatables), getting the rights teams ready and in place was something of an organisational nightmare - but we eventually got some kids playing and they loved it. They didn't get as far as playing for a trophy though, as the lovely people from FNB had yet more gifts for them and then they were all packed off home. But all in all, the kids seemed to have a fabulous day and it was nice to finally be out in the sunshine (instead of the constant rain of the previous week!).
