Sacramento Faces Invasion of Friendly Foreigners
The Czech delegation for the World Masters Champs checks out Old Sacramento.
I took advantage of the beautiful weather today to enjoy a running commute to my office in downtown Sacramento.
As I passed through Old Sacramento on my way to downtown, I noticed it was overrun by a friendly army of foreign athletes here for the World Masters Athletics Championships.
As I ran by the Railroad Museum, I was flagged down by a gentleman by the name of Jaroslav Hovorka.
Jaroslav Hovorka, it turns out, is here from the Czech Republic to compete in the throwing pentathlon.
Jaroslov and I chatted for a bit, using a vocabulary of maybe 100 words in English, some vigorous gestures, and the bountiful good will shared by masters athletes. I learned that he was the president of his town council and works as an environmental advisor.
We exchanged business cards, and before parting we took each other’s picture.
My new friend Jarolslav Hovorka is competing in the Throwing Pentathlon.
After saying our goodbyes, I continued on my run, marveling at what a great event the WMA Championships is for Sacramento!
Events are currently underway at multiple venues. You really show go to watch and support these athletes. Results are available here.
Also, the Sacramento Bee has a nice piece on Zola Budd Pieterse running in the cross country race. It’s a pretty good read.