Laugh My Friends, It’s Only A Game
Justin Nelson, a Samoan-loving Aussie bloke, shares a laugh at the Games
Laughter, it’s the cornerstone to a happy and fulfilled life. Well at least that’s my take on it. And when it comes to laughing I doubt there is another country in the world that laughs as long and as hard as Samoa.
I just couldn’t leave Samoa without writing about how much you all crack me up. Not only do I find myself laughing more than usual, it’s the things that I’m laughing at that have surprised me.
I think it’s a part of the Samoan culture. You are naturally funny people and you know how to always lighten things up. Your laughter has become a contagious addiction.
I don’t know what it is, or why, but Samoans love laughing at anyone falling over, doing something silly or just plain being stuck in an awkward situation. The laughter is harmless, so much so that people like me can’t help but join the laughing chorus.
Someone gets tackled in Rugby and the stands erupt with laughter. A boxer loses his mouthguard and the laughing quickly follows, as it does if a weightlifter pulls a strange face when lifting the bar or if a football (soccer) player falls over whilst going for the ball.
The laughing is long and loud, and at times uncontrollable. It adds another exciting facet to watching sport. It can, and often does, put the fun into sport.
There is something unique about the way Samoan’s laugh. I just can’t believe how you find the energy to laugh so deep. In a good way it’s reminiscent of listening to the sounds of rolling thunder.
Your laughter rolls in, builds up and up, before back-slapping brings it to an exciting crescendo. I have never seen, or heard, anything like it. I’m sitting here laughing just thinking about it.
They say that laughter is the best remedy for any sickness or if you’re feeling down. If that’s the truth then you must be the healthiest, happiest people in the world.
Back at home deathly silence usually follows any mishap, but here it’s all a big laugh, back slapping all around and the incredible sight of spectators keeled over trying not to get a stitch while they let rip with a hearty laugh.
I must say that I have really come to love the unique sound of this laughter. While a competitor might be looking the worse for wear, I can see where the humour comes from.
It’s called entertainment, and that’s exactly what sport is. Yes, it’s competitive and filled with determination, but for those of us in the stands it is pure entertainment. Believe me, if sport wasn’t entertaining, you would be able to count the spectators on one hand.
It’s taken 10 days, but I finally understand the funny side and I’m almost in unison with the chorus now. A boxer had his helmet knocked off his head the other night, and everyone laughed.
Even the boxer himself was entertained by his own misfortune and joined in with a chuckle. It was just fantastic to be sitting there and laughing along with the crowd.
Sport is a game. If we can’t laugh at ourselves then we are wasting away. I’m sure that if any competitors were seriously hurt then the laughter would subside very quickly. We are all caring, so please don’t think I’m misrepresenting you with my comments.
Keep laughing my friends and feel satisfied that you have educated this little Aussie to see the lighter side of sport. As I said, it is contagious and I’m enjoying every minute of it. In fact I’m laughing as I sit hear and write this. I hope you have a smile on your face as you read it. I know you have!
Now, changing direction, I’m really looking forward to the closing ceremony tonight and I hope to see many of you there. It is time to celebrate two weeks of sports action, while for those in the inner sanctum it’s time to draw the curtain on years of hard work.
Unfortunately I missed the opening ceremony as I was on the plane coming here at the time, however I quickly heard many stories of the colour, the song and dance, the culture and the historic meaning of what took place.
I don’t know too much about what to expect tonight, other than to say another bumper crowd is expected to watch what will be a very entertaining close to a brilliant event.
I have also been meaning to congratulate and thank the police officers for the work they have done during the Games. I know they get paid to do a job, and I respect that, but I have come across many officers keen to assist with directions and more than happy to say hello.
They have been visual, helped considerably with traffic flow and provided excellent safety for the athletes at the venues. Security is a big issue in today’s society and you should all be proud of the job your police officers have done.
And finally today, can I again thank you all for your support of this column during the last two weeks. It is quite surreal to hear people talking about my adventure and showing my articles to other people.
Not for one minute did I expect my trip to Samoa to turn out the way it has. It’s very hard to describe how I’m feeling just days before I leave, there is a side of me that wishes I could go on writing for all of you for many more months.
In some ways I feel like an adopted Samoan. I still have a fair way to go in learning the culture and the pronunciations, but I am pleased that you have allowed me to talk about the Games in my own Australian way.
Somebody said to me yesterday that I had touched them with my articles, which is a very humbling thing to be told, however this column is more about the way in which all of you have touched me.
Tomorrow’s Sunday Observer will carry my last article for the 13th South Pacific Games and I plan to make it my best yet, so I hope you can get a copy of the paper and enjoy my final thoughts.
Just remember, it is sport that has brought us together, we can’t lose sight of that and the important (and defining) role that this event has played in all of our lives. Without this opportunity that I have experienced I doubt that I would be going home even half the person that I now feel I am.
Once again, Samoa, I say thank you. Now, have a laugh and enjoy the final day of the Games.
