The Final Contest

The smoke blowing into the Wildwood venue of the Alternative Olympic Games from the Dixie fire 100 miles NW of here has caused the cancellation of many of the land events. Team Lizard has retired to their individual crevices, Team Butterfly has been finding it very difficult to compete this year, and Team Bee has also failed to come together. It is to be hoped that replanting of some of the butterfly and bee venues will tempt them back again. 

Since Team Finch is always out anyway, the finals in the AOG seed eating contest were allowed to continue. As the seed level is quite low at this time there was much jockeying for position, and it looks like the subject of yesterday's drama might be having second thoughts about rejoining the fray and is withdrawing from the contest. Despite all the action, the seed handling has been near perfect, the play has been mostly sportsmanlike and there have been very few technical calls. This team has been great fun to watch during these games.

The surprise first place winner in the avian division has been a great crowd favorite and much admired for his courage and humanity, er, avianity during these games. Although he didn't win any contests, he is being recognized for his persistence, constant presence in the arena and willingness to help. He has done much to raise awareness on the subject of nest abandonment. In a highly unusual move, and as a result of his quiet yet constant presence here in the avian arena, the judges have awarded first place to Timothy Titmouse. He can be seen here after a bath and preening session as he prepares to ascend the podium.
 
I will have to miss the closing ceremonies due to other obligations, but it has been a great pleasure to be a judge and observer in these alternative games. Even in times of drought and less than perfect weather I have been impressed with the resilience and adaptability of the athletes and the behind the scenes teams who have allowed these games to run so smoothly. I look forward to the next games in three(?) years' time, if not at the Wildwood venue than perhaps in Paris....