Phrase of the day: Balonmano de playa? Squash? Que tipo de Olympiadas si tenia aqui!?! (Usted tiene suerte que si hay rugby en la playa!)... Beach Handball? Squash? What kind of Olympics are you running here!?! (You're lucky there's beach rugby!)
The real reason I went to Manta was to see Tristan and the rugby team he is helping coach down in Cuenca. They were participating in a beach rugby tournament with the 7 other teams in country. Rugby is a relatively new sport here in Ecuador; it's only been around for 3 or 4 years. A little warm-up.
The tournament was interesting. The players had to wear socks or be barefoot. They played 5 versus 5 with 7-minute halves.It was cool to see Tristan coach. Peace Corps Goal #2: Spreading our culture to the people of Ecuador. (I'm not sure if rugby is "our" culture, but it is moreso than theirs).
Tristan's team after Saturday's matches. They were a little beat up, but definitely ready to jump in the ocean and relax a bit before the championship on Sunday.
Sunday morning. The championship match could not have been more intense. The Aguilas from Cuenca versus the ever so-dominant Nomads from Quito. After 14-minutes and a 20-20 tie, the match went to penalty kicks.
Based on size and skill, the Nomads will always have the Azuay beat. 95% of the Nomads are taller than all of the Aguilas, not to mention probably everyone from the city of Cuenca. They have players from various parts of the world, including their best player, Daniel, who is from Arizona. But in the end, those with more heart can win!
See, it really was the Ecuador Olympics! Gold medals and all.
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