The preparation for this year’s marathon was somewhat haphazard, on account of my late arrival to Yei. The errors of last year’s event were still haunting the organizers.
I missed the 2014 edition. Ebola kept me away.
On my arrival, I decided to reestablish the importance of prayer when I realized the team was struggling. With the right motive, prayer never fails. We spent time praying.
When one of the team members suggested we take a day to fast and some agreed, that was a special moment for me. The burden was lifted.
Then came the day of the race. 243 students had registered to participate from 10 schools. Sadly, five schools pulled out. The school administration of one felt undone from last year’s race and was still seething, while the others failed to motivate and mobilize their students.
Interestingly though, some schools hired top athletes from a particular primary school to represent them. Their desperation for the Trophy spoke volumes. This was no ordinary race. We promptly eased the mercenaries out of the line.
The trophy, a new one, donated by Rev. Yemi Ayodele from the USA was named The Mayor’s Trophy. It would go to the overall winning school, with a cash prize of 4000ssp ($215). The school in second position would get 1000ssp and the third 750ssp.
The usual prizes for the students: Medals- 1st to 3rd, Certificates- 1st to 10th, one year tuition scholarships- 1st to 10th (for 10 boys and 10 girls) and cash prizes- 1st – 3rd were ready to be won. Who would it be? Who are these 20 students God is sending our way for another year?
The presence of the Mayor of Yei Municipality, the new Honorable Commissioner of Yei River County, the Police Commissioner for Yei River County and other honorable guests added color and worth to this event.
The current economic difficulties in the nation made the 20 scholarships much more precious. Many students lamented when it was rumored that this year’s marathon would not hold. This was no ordinary race for most of them. They aimed for the prizes but they would be our prize.
As soon as the rules were read and all other formalities concluded, the girls set themselves in line to run first, before the boys. The tension was high.
My concern was their safety, but each time it flashed across my mind, the Lord would assure me, with a peace that could only be from Him.
The boys ran off with a shout before the girls began to arrive.
To the surprise of many, the first girl at the finish line didn’t look anything like an athlete. Wait for her story in the coming updates. There’s a lesson she taught us.
Yei Girls Secondary School won the Trophy. Though they had only one girl within the first 10 positions among the girls, their strength was in their numbers, as they secured more points in the end. They came as a team, aimed for the trophy and took it.
Four of the 20 winners this year were winners last year. Their joy was a notch higher than the rest. We’ve marked them and will concentrate our discipleship efforts on them; praying that a sports coach with a Kingdom vision from somewhere will discover them.
Five of the 20 winners from last year who were not eligible to run this year because they are final year students, volunteered as organizers of this year’s Marathon. They identified fully with the vision of this race and made me really glad.
In the end, this Race of Life- edition 5 had rich lessons we’d be reflecting on for some time to come.
Since the first Marathon in 2011, we’ve connected with 79 winners, who received scholarships for a year. 55 of them are born again now. And growing in the Lord. Some are currently members of our local church here in Yei.
The Winners Party (a gathering of all previous and present winners) comes up tomorrow 8th November. We’ll be casting the vision of this Marathon, teach on The Race of Life and certainly have a blast of raw fun.
Enjoy the photos.
Rev Yemi Ayodele presenting the new Trophy to the Mayor of Yei Municipality.
The Students preparing for the Marathon. This was no ordinary race.
Rev Yemi Ayodele inspecting and connecting with the students as they prepared. This was no ordinary race.
Uche, setting the prizes in order. This was not an ordinary race.
The girls waiting for the whistle. The tension was high.
As usual, they all took-off in high spirits and with a dash
As they ascended the first hill, the possible winners began to separate themselves from the crowd.
Some arrived the finish line with a broad smile. This was no ordinary race.
Just 10 meters from the finish line, she fainted and others passed by to win the prizes. This was certainly not an ordinary race.
It was grueling but the medical team was equal to the task. It was no ordinary race.
Some fell by the wayside and had to be carried
They missed the prizes but were not left alone. This was no ordinary race.
While some were congratulated, others got much needed comfort from friends. This was no ordinary race.
She took the 1st position.
Their joy was our joy. It was not an ordinary race.
Yei Girls Secondary School won the Mayor’s Trophy.
Students of Yei Girls celebrating their well deserved victory.
Victory has many siblings, relatives and friends. Yei Girls and the crowd in joyous mood.
Yes!!! He won the 1st Position. It means so much. This was no ordinary race.
1st Position!! His friends would carry him home on their hands and heads… with JOY
Uche having a private moment with the 20 winners after the marathon
The County Education Director made a remarkable speech, motivating the winners and encouraging the others.
More photos with their stories later…
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 