Sports everywhere

Individuals or small groups can be seen during the week — both morning or late afternoon — running up and down the sea shore or doing gymnastics in the sand.  Photo: Daniel Hayduk

Doing regular exercise is a challenge here, what with the humid and hot climate, erratic traffic and unreliable surfaces of roads and paths.

Still it does not deter people being active in the outdoors.

Mornings, just after sunrise, a daily runner with a turban passes by, every day the same regular strong step.

A short while later three ladies in black flowing abaya robes return home after an early morning walk.

Individuals or small groups can be seen during the week — both morning or late afternoon — running up and down the sea shore or doing gymnastics in the sand.

Mostly in the blazing sun but fortunately a few huge trees provide shade for the stretching.

Groups of cyclists have become numerous, some are even on the road in the dark as late a 9 pm.

Obviously helmets and reflective gear are needed and usually worn, even so potholes and road irregularities at night are a risk.

During weekends groups of youth have their weekly run and beach exercise.

They run in a military style formation all wearing the same colours and one of them is carrying a flag in front.

Singing a military style cadence although I’ve been told the text is more something easy to memorise than anything else.

In town along Ocean Road an impressive spectacle can be seen Sunday mornings.

There are hundreds of youngsters on the beach and in the sea who’ve apparently walked from far and wide for the occasion.

There’s swimming, ball games, push ups and other tough exercises in the sand.

Some instructing a circle of others with all kinds of jumping routines.

There are boys with dogs and bicycles around and the atmosphere is elated.

Then of course the weekly Sunday football match nearby in a large sand pit along the beach and round a huge baobab tree.

With a referee and whistle, two seriously enthusiastic teams and even more supporters standing and sitting around.

Given the weather, it’s amazing what people are willing to put up with for the love of sport!

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