Kite Competitions. Part 2
(e) Balloon Release
This is a variation of the above event. The method of attaching the
balloons to the kite lines is the same as for the parachutes, namely, by means of hooks
and strings.
(f) Balloon Bursting
Here is a contest which bears a resemblance to
the old Chinese sport of kite fighting. In the latter the kite lines were coated at the
top with glue and glass fragments, and each competitor tried to cut his opponent's line.
In the balloon contest one or two fine nails project from each kite. Competitors send up a
given number of balloons on their lines, to which they are attached by strings of varying
lengths. The aim is for each of two contestants to burst as many of his opponent's
balloons as he can in a given time.
(g) Buried Treasure
A hunt for buried treasure is always a popular game, and this one
will arouse a great deal of interest. The organizer hides a small box containing the
treasure or prize. Maps are drawn on small pieces of paper, which give clues to the
whereabouts of the treasure. Blank pieces of paper, the same size as the maps, and
parachutes in different colours for each competitor, are also required. Two out of a total
number of six parachutes for each contestant have maps attached to them, the rest are
blanks. The organizer is the one who prepares the parachutes for the hunt. At the signal
to start, the parachutes are sent up the kite lines and released. Each competitor has to
release all his parachutes before he can begin the hunt. With the help of an assistant he
tries to find one of his own maps and not one belonging to another. If one is found, then
it has to be decoded, so as to lead to the buried treasure. At the end of a given time, if
the treasure has not been found, then the contestants may say where they think it might be
hidden. The one whose guess comes nearest to the actual spot is the
winner.
Further Suggestions for Competitions
Competitions might be arranged as an inter-club venture, and organized on the basis of heats, semi-finals and finals. But in both cases of members of one club or of competing clubs, some scheme of awards might be considered, these being held for a period of twelve months. One suggestion is that an award could take the form of a small shield or a framed certificate. A local craftsman or a club member might be able to make a small wooden shield. On this a few suitable words could be neatly painted.An inscription in gold or silver paint upon a red or blue background would look very effective. As an alternative a framed certificate might be executed after the style of an illuminated manuscript. An example of a shield is given in Chapter 7. This suggestion also covers second and third place awards, these possibly being in the form of smaller framed certificates. A further suggestion is that the awards might be presented at a special meeting. If this were agreed, then the following matters could be decided: who should be invited to present the awards; where the meeting could be held, and what other items could be planned, to help to make it an enjoyable occasion. In passing, the practice of making awards is to be commended, because it provides a goal for competitive endeavour. And in the atmosphere of friendly rivalry a club may flourish.