net ball

Within the daily routines, each day boasts of new learning. Whether I develop more Runyoro vocabulary, meet a smiling person full of curiosity, indulge my taste buds in new foods, learn a traditional custom, or gain greater understanding of Ugandan society, I happily rest my head on my soft pillow at night thanking God I am still able to acquire new abilities and knowledge. One of my personal more enjoyable new learning experiences has been learning to play net ball. Foreign in Canada, my only exposure to the game was through watching sports highlights on UBC (Uganda's Broadcasting Channel). Even though I lacked any experience, my curiosity led me to organize a game. With a personal belief that effective teaching and learning is achieved by doing or experiencing, I decided it best to actually play to learn. So, after a heavy rain on a Saturday afternoon, I put on my sports cothes, equipped with sunscreen and a water bottle, and walked to school for a schedule game of net ball.

With an understanding of the basic rules, we divided into 2 teams of 7 each, and positioned ourselves accordingly. Thus began a couple of hours of confusion, of fun, of jumping, of diving, of shooting, of falling, of congratulations, of disappointment, of questions, and of laughter. I won't go into detail explaining the rules but do consider net ball a combination of handball and basketball. I thoroughly enjoyed being engaged, once again, in organized sports that I returned the following day after church to play again. Amid the visible reflections of net ball, my body reveals my sometimes successful, sometimes failing attempts to play: bruised legs, scratches, fatigues muscles, grass-stained clothing.

Net ball has also been beneficial in non-visible ways, by helping me to demonstrate that females are capable of playing various sports, of throwing and catching, of co-ordination and balance. Whereas males play soccer, females are restricted to playing net ball. To people's surprise, maybe even disapproval, I proudly tell people I have played soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, and field hockey among other sports throughout my life. Although I don't intend on changing traditional activities, I do hope to provide equal opportunities for males and females. I encourage both males and females, for example, to become involved in playing volleyball. Within the next week, I will begin instructing students on proper volleyball playing techniques and skills. Instead of preparing myself for the football field, I will get ready for the net ball pitch. Perhaps I shall share this new sport with Canada when I return.