Year two students from Peace Chapel Christian School in Vaimea went to Tuana’imato to catch some Pacific Games football action on Wednesday, but ended up having the time of their lives at Gym 1 watching and learning the sport of judo instead.

The children were asked by the organisers to join in for an impromptu educational demonstration of the sport with two Pacific Games gold medallist judokas from New Caledonia.

“God is great,” said their teacher Toe Maggs. “We didn’t expect something like this, but we are blessed.”

She said they came to watch the football, but there were no games scheduled for Wednesday.

“So I thought it’s better to come down here and visit.”

Maggs said the children were happy, and amazed by what they saw from the judo athletes.

“They really enjoyed it. They love sharing and talking with other people… meeting people from other countries.”

Maggs said when the children were asked to have a go at the sport they were nervous at first, but loved joining in.

She said Wednesday was the first time any of them had even seen the sport, and they were impressed by how the judokas throw each other around.

“Some of them they say ‘Oh I would love to try that when I grow up’.

“Thank you God for this big chance for us to come here and visit.

“Thank you Principal Lisa Lameta for the chance to come visit the games and have fun.”

It was the six and seven-year-olds’ first Games event they have watched as a class, and Maggs said they hope to see more as well over the remaining few days of the event.

“We love soccer, they keep asking me if there’s any soccer today.”

Maggs said they are keen to see some of the athletics at Apia Park as well.