This was written by David Little in Tarawa (07/08/04) before the Kiribati team went to their first-ever Olympic Games.
AN ODE TO ATHENS.
Some years ago we thought we would -
We had the will; we knew we could -
But hesitation nearly meant
No chances would be heaven-sent.
We needed five Olympic sports
With I.F. Links, plus great supports
From friends in countries hereabout
Who voted "In" (Thank God !) not "Out" !
With Weight-Lifting and Basketball,
And Tennis, Track and Volleyball,
Just add some Table-Tennis skill
And we had six to fill the bill.
And so it was two-oh-oh-three
(When we were at the S.P.G.
In Fiji) that we heard the news -
A fillip to dispel the blues !
(We were not doing very well in Fiji !)
Our standards still are very low
In every sport, but we will show
That time and guts and blood and sweat
Plus coaching (!) will improve your bet !
There are some signs of upward trends
And who's to know where each hill ends ?
For sure, in Oceania now,
We're getting closer to the brow !
When we compete, they get a shock,
Where once they used to laugh and mock.
We're now no longer just a gift
On table, track or with a lift.
The medals have begun to flow
As year-round training starts to show
A hard-fought gain in strength and soul
And better technical control.
The volunteers put in their time -
As do the athletes, near their prime.
The points go up, the times come down
As Kiribati gains some renown. (Note: KIRIBASS)
And so we're off to Athens, Greece,
Explosive power they will release,
Our athletes and our lifter bold,
Like naked players in statues cold.
We know that they will march so proud,
Watch for the flag and hear the crowd.
What a fantastic thing to do !
Olympics - we'll remember you !!
DL Tarawa August 7th. 2004.
Last Modified on 01/04/2006 20:01