Checking Out the Halfpipe Action (February 12) On February 12 Kanbayashi Snowboard Park in Yamanouchi Town was the scene of the snowboard halfpipe finals. Along with the rest of the fans that had come to see the competition, we stood in the rare February rain and tried to ignore the cold. We didn't speak the same language as all the snowboarders, but that didn't stop us from cheering as loud as we could! People in the crowd waved flags with hands that had turned red from the cold and shouted out the names of the boarders as they zipped by. The competitors would smile and wave at the crowd in response to the cheering. I can't say it was very comfortable to watch the competition in the rain, wind, and cold, but I'm glad I got to see the boarders do their tricks up close. After the event ended and the crowds had left for their homes and hotels, the stands were empty except for drink cans and torn pamphlets. The Nagano Games have been planned with respect for nature, and during the event the competitors, staff, and fans all enjoyed the Olympic experience together. So it was sad to see the litter left around the event site after everything had ended. (Yamanouchi Middle School)

Yamanouchi Middle School students cheer for the snowboarders. We wish the fans would have taken their trash home . . .

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