DeafLympics – Day 1

Yesterday, the DeafLympics started. Whether or not the deaf should have their own Olympics, if runners or athletes or soccer players are disabled in some way and sport is more difficult for them – is not a discussion here. It may become one later, when I get more philosophical and learn more about the subject, but for now let’s leave it alone:)

Anyway, DeafLympics 2009 just started:)

There was cool ceremony, with dancing, speeches and fireworks – the ones from Taipei 101 were really amazing! The speech by Taiwanese president was a bit provocative and you could see propaganda there, but on the other hand why should he not underline that Taipei is “a great city which just recently developed and is getting a well deserved place in the modern world”? It is, so he should say that.

Aaaaaanyway, I am getting a bit of the subject.

The Olympics are going to be here until 22nd, so I decided to go every day to some cool event.

Luckily, Poland was playing volleyball today with Turkey at the NTU’s gym, so together with two friends, Philippe and Stephan, we decided to check it out, so that we know if it is worth going. I should add that tickets to all events, except opening and closing ceremony, are free, so there is not much risk there:)

We came to the gym 40 minutes before the start of the game and what we saw was… disappointing. Fiji was playing against Iran, the skills they presented were not astonishing. A bit downhearted, we were waiting for the next game, while I got to know part of the Polish delegation!

Very friendly Polish representatives chatted with me for a while, somehow shocked, that there is a Pole in the gym. They gave me the flag, magazine, exchanged contacts and I got to cheer up Poland with two of our girls, who, hopefully, will bring some medals back to the country.

And so the game started.

The difference in skills and preparation were visible at the very first glimpse of an eye. They passed better, jumped higher and smashed harder.

Now a quick recap of the game:
Set 1: Polish lose to 16. After awful beginning, they got their heads backs in the game in the second part, but it was too late and not enough.
Set 2: Polish strike back. After easy win in first set, Turks loosen up and end loosing to 20 (or something around that;) )
Set 3: easy win for Poland. 25:18. Everyone is shocked. 2:1
Set 4: we have a matchball with 23:24. But it goes different way – 26:24 for Turkey. 2:2
Set 5: a lot of stress, beginning looks like high school volleyball, players are just trying to save the ball from touching the ground. Point for point. But Poland has more luck or stamina or psychological strength – call it as you wish. We won 15:13!

Well, I am not that a patriot and all, but it was cool to be shown every few minutes on the big screen by the cameraman.

Probably gonna go watch it again!

But now I am waiting for Spain: Russia game in basketball on the 9th. I hope it will be wicked!

And BTW – this is my Universities gym. Hopefully, I will play my basketball games there:D