Hong Kong International Lacrosse Tournament

Living in the States, we would drive to Maryland or Delaware or the like for a lacrosse tournament and think it was so far and so expensive.  Living in Singapore has put that into perspective - as the goalie for the national Ladies lacrosse team, travel now entails trips to places like Hong Kong. This tournament was pitting the Singapore Mens and Ladies team against teams from China, Hong Kong, and Australia.  Since Hong Kong was someplace that the whole family wanted to go, we decided to all spend Easter weekend at the lacrosse tournament (and I mean the WHOLE three-day weekend).

Hong Kong turned out to be an amazing city built into these mountains yet obviously right on the water so the topography and views were really wonderful.  The fields where the games were played was also right on the water so we had amazing views.  What came as a surprise to all (including those actually from Hong Kong) was the major temperature change that took place the week that we arrived - it had been cool and in the 70's prior to that week but then turned to mid-80's and bright sunshine.  Felt great but after hours and hours sitting on metal bleachers on the side of the field baking, a little cool weather would have really been appreciated!

The Singapore Ladies team was having to play with too few players so each game consisted of 2-3 borrowed players from one of the other teams.  Not the best way to field a team, especially since often those players didn't speak a word of English.  Definitely made it hard to call to each other and really take advantage of opportunities that might arise on the field.  Regardless, they had some great games although not many great wins.  Singapore ended the tournament in 3rd place out of the four teams but they had a lot of fun and Ella really learned a lot as well.

The highlight of the tournament came Sunday afternoon when the winning teams received their trophies and each team presented a game ball to their MVPs.  Ella was astonished to find out that her captain had selected her as the team MVP - such a huge honor and a wonderful acknowledgement of her addition to the team.  We were immensely proud of her!  And as the youngest and least experienced person on the team it was even more of an accomplishment.  A very special moment!

We took advantage of a late afternoon free to go to the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong.  An old-fashioned tram still brings people to the top of the peak.  WAY too many people on the tram but the sights at the top were wonderful.  We took a 2 mile walk around the top of the peak and by the time we were half way around, the clouds had rolled in and completely encased the peak in whiteness.  It was a good thing we had enjoyed the view while it lasted!

After two days of watching games all day, we decided that the last ladies game of the day would be best enjoyed with margaritas and beer.  It definitely helped finish off the weekend on a good note!

Dinner our last night was at the top of the peak again with amazing views.  Had a fun time checking out all of the lights.

The Singapore Ladies team and the China Ladies team.

The sombreros provided wonderful shade, no matter how stupid we may have looked!

Ella walking up to receive her Most Valuable Player award - she was surprised and confused!

Ella, as the youngest player at the tournament, and Wes, the Singapore Mens goalie as one of the oldest players at the tournament (12 and 51 respectively)!  Both were picked as MVPs of their teams.

Henry helping one of the Singapore Mens players stretch out before his game - this was a hit with all the photographers at the tournament.

All of the tournament teams