#52Ancestors, Week 41, Sport

So, I’m a Kiwi.

I don’t play sport. I used to; netball and soccer mostly. Sometimes I think I should do so again.

I don’t think there has been anyone from the family in any national teams; maybe Roller Hockey ? But hey, New Zealand is so small everyone is pretty much separated by just two degrees, so the chances are that at least one distant cousin has worn BLACK for the country in one sport or another. I just haven’t discovered the link yet.

Sport is a pretty big thing in New Zealand. For a little country, everyone is fairly heavily invested in supporting their local and national teams. Regardless of who they are playing or what size or shape of ball is involved.

Rugby, League, Netball, Cricket even Football, Basketball, Softball, Hockey – we are all there; at the game or watching at home or in a local pub with our mates. Proudly wearing our team jerseys, be they national, regional or club level.

All Blacks, Black Ferns, Silver Ferns, Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, Black Caps, White Ferns, All Whites, Tall Blacks, Black Ferns, Black Sox, White Sox, Black Sticks.

We are their biggest fans, and their harshest critics.

In a close game the nation collectively holds their breath, ‘til the final whistle is blown or the siren is sounded. The most fiercely contested rivalry is with our mates across the Tasman. If we aren’t in the game and they are, we might even back them. Our end of the planet against the world. ANZAC spirit.

But most of us wouldn’t go as far as wearing their jersey !