On a very warm and sunny day we set off gathering up Team Yanapay from the Hostal Magico to the Collegio de San Jose on the other side of Cusco. Amanda and Alex had valiantly got up much earlier to help Team Bullfrogs get everything from DJ equipment to crates of beer from the bar to the ground. When they arrived everyone pitched in to set up our makeshift bar and food stall for the day. All proceeds were going to support the Damnificados so everyone was tasked to sell, sell, sell. In true stereotypical form, the girls each assigned themselves roles as food preparers, money takers and beer getters whilst the boys warmed up for their first match, which also happened to be the first of the day.
As the draw had been held the night before in Bullfrogs, the remaining 11 teams trickled in time for their games but by midday, Yanapay kicked off first and the campenoato was off and running. A mix of skills, nationalities and footwear (Kevin opting to play barefoot rather than flip flops) the team managed to hold their own until finally losing 8-6.
In the meantime the girls felt the rush as the bar was inundated by hungry players and supporters requesting Parillas (burgers) and Choripan (hotdogs) as well as plenty of beer and gasiosas (Coca Cola). The sun was beating down but the girls kept on task with the aid of an umbrella taking it in turns to cheer on the Yanapay boys.
Yanapay's second game was more of a story of success in part due to the arrival of Jose and of course the skill of our two Argentinian ringers, sorry I mean, friends consolidating the efforts of the European and US contingent. The international collaboration led to a resounding victory 5-1.
The next, and unfortunately final, game for Yanapay was against Team Bullfrogs, the creative sparks and co-organisers of the event. The teams seemed evenly matched were it not for some questionable decisions by the referee (or is that the taste of sour grapes?) which eventually led to a Bullfrogs victory 9-7.
The next stage in the competition was the dreaded penalty shootout. Not a great experience for Team Yanapay who were, like many an England team, knocked out at a crucial stage of the competition. Still, the boys could be pleased with their performance and could now relax with a couple of cold beers and enjoy the rest of the football.
Bullfrogs bowed out in the semi final and Hostal Pariwana went onto win the championship.
The campeonato now over, Bullfrogs and Yanapay, friends once again, packed up and headed home. The night would continue back at the bar with a victory drink for all.
Mysmallhelp would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to everyone at Bullfrogs for creating and organising a great event for their fellow Peruvians who have lost everything. “Los Damnifcados” Houses, clothing, school books and treasured possessions all gone after the floods of Sunday 24th January 2010 in the region of Cusco.
The campeanato de futbol raised 660 soles (approximately £150) which has been donated to Casa Hogar del Sol to provide food to the flood victims ofPaucarbamba.
We still need your help providing food, shelter and support to flood victims, many of which are still homeless and with limited opportunity to provide an income for their family. You can donate through our website www.mysmallhelp.org/Cusco_Emergency.php
No comments:
Post a Comment