Neighborhood Sports Outreach

     Last summer we put on several sports outreaches in the neighborhood.  It was such a big hit, we decided to do it again this year!  Our desire was to create a type of family fun day, including all members of the family (even grandparents!) There were a few adults that came, but mostly it was kids.  Even still, we had fun, built respect among neighbors, and met new people to further connect with.

water volleyball

     We had lots of fun games and more and more kids came as word spread about the event.

We had several teams that rotated for a full tournament.

     

     We had several games with balloons.  The kids really liked balloon games, especially when they involved popping them.

Parachute games are always among the favorites!

     We had different relays.  This one involved scrubbing soap into the water until it got very small.

Everyone had very clean hands by the end!

Then we dumped the soapy water all over this plastic for some slippery water games.

Preparing for another relay race.

     We had several good conversations with people who came to watch the festivities.  Several people expressed to us how thankful they were that we are investing in these kids.  A couple of ladies expressed interest in coming to our local English discussion group.

We had water and fruit to give to the kids to keep everyone hydrated.

slippery plastic relay race!

     ... at the end of the plastic were hanging apples.  Each person from each team had to take a bite, then run back to the next person until the whole apple was eaten.

It was more challenging than it looks!

Even Ike fully participated with his broken arm!

so funny to watch!

     In this game, the kids had to get a kiwi out of a tub of water with their teeth.  This was especially hard for little kids with little mouths!  (Ike is in the green bucket on the left.)  

     These kids are so precious.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. "

     Our little sports team met afterwards to debrief over pizza and sweets.  We're so thankful for these lovely people who have a heart to reach out and to serve so selflessly!