Tournaments

In early December, I finished directing a ping, pong, fussball (fubolito) and dominoes tournament at the Institute.  About a month previous, I decided to have some fun and get to know a rather large group of young men who would hang

Jancer, Nelson, Esmerlin, Jose

out in the multi-purpose room and play ping pong, futbolito and dominoes,  How about a tournament I thought?

Julian Rodriguez -Winner Ping Pong

So with the approval of the Institute Director, Jhon Lopez, I wrote an announcement and sign-up sheet in Spanish, posted it on the bulletin board and with lots of enthusiasm, we began.  I said this will be a "play for fun" tournament, but not so.  I soon found out that that they take this seriously.  The winners would receive a large pizza and two movie tickets.  Wow how I was impressed at their motivation for a pizza!!

It was a lot of fun with some pretty intense games with a lot of people watching the action and some good-hearted Dominican trash talkin'.  The winner for ping pong was Julian Rodriquez.  He didn't lose a match. He is good!

For dominoes (the Dominican second favorite sport after baseball) and "futbolito"(little football or fussball), these are team sports.

Dr. Esmerlin (yes a doctor) Ramirez and Wirmin "Gambao" Ramirez won the dominoes tournament.

Amazing! to watch them slap and slam the table with their domino pieces each time they make a play.

Dr. Esmelin Ramirez and Wirmin Ramirez
Winners Dominoes

Their cousins, Nelson and Jancer Ramirez won the futbolito tournament. 

 Other major participants were Jhon Lopez and Elder Park, Rene Alcantara, Maximo Garcia, Luis Luciano, Gionny Ramirez and Jose Delio

Nelson and Jancer Ramirez Winners Futbolito

"Futbolito"

During one of my first dominoes matches, I realized there were three Dominicans looking over my shoulder at my pieces and trying to coach me.  They could tell quickly I didn't know strategy and what I was doing (I still don't).  I didn't know how to "slap the table" with my domino piece so right there I was at a hugh disadvantage; a dead give away that no one wanted Elder Park as their partner.  They smiled, were kind and helpful so I didn't look too un-Dominican!  It was so much fun!

Rene, Julian, Jancer

Organizing the tournaments turned out to be a good experience.  I was able to make some new friends and open doors of communication. I was particularly impressed with Esmelin that he shared his winning pizza with the losers and that he paused for a group prayer to bless the pizza.  Touched me!  I have new respect for Esmelin Ramirez--my new friend! Randy