Let the Games Begin

Esteban's soccer team signed up to play in the Utah Summer Games. This is like a mini-olympics for the state of Utah. There were 200 soccer teams competing. There were also competitions in pickleball, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, chess, and arm wrestling among the other sports you might expect.We left our other kids, who don't enjoy sitting through multiple soccer games in a short period of time, with Aaron's parents and headed for Cedar City. We ended up with extra teenage boys in our car, which they dubbed the Esty Express (nobody can pronounce his name on the team so they call him Esty).

The opening ceremony was fantastic. The boys enjoyed being part of the parade of athletes.
They were right up in front of the stage for a concert with Danny Osmond and Jackie Tohn, both from American Idol, and a wanna-be Beatles band. There were also two Tongan brothers from Biggest Loser (we don't watch the show so, I don't remember their names). The torch lighting ceremony was nothing compared to Beijing but, for our little soccer team it was fun to be a part of it. The ceremony finished with a huge fireworks show.
In between soccer games, the boys played Foosball. Esteban told me it was pretty intense. They were all sweaty after and one boy even had blisters on his hands.
They also played some rounds of pool

and outdoor volleyball.As far as the soccer goes, they played well. They were matched up against some really good teams. In the end, they played for the bronze metal against a dirty team whose parents and coaches encouraged them to take cheap shots at our players. Esteban's team ended up losing by one point. A former coach taught that you either win or you learn. There is no losing. I would add that if you can walk off the field knowing you gave your all, that is truly winning. Integrity is worth far more than gold. I'm proud of our boys for proving just that.