E - THE SWIMMING COMPETITION OF TOON MOON JUNGLE

THE SWIMMING COMPETITION OF TOON MOON JUNGLE

It was a big event for the animals of TOON MOON JUNGLE --------The Open
Swimming Competition in LOONEY RIVER. Few months back, during the rainy
season, the LOONEY RIVER was in spate. None of the animals dared to
enter into the waters of the LOONEY RIVER at that time because it
seemed that the river was in a fury. Soon the pleasant winter faded the
monsoons and entered into nature's scenario, and the water level
automatically came down. The animals were now at liberty to exploit the
river waters, as they liked-----swim, bathe or cool themselves in the
clean cool waters of this river.

The month of September was the best time for the swimming
competition_____it was neither hot nor cold but moderate. On the 1st of
September, the organisers of the swimming competition announced the
final date of this event. The competition was to take place after a
fortnight i.e. on the 15th. So the animals, those who were interested
in joining the competition got busy in practising for fitness. After
all this was an open competition and there would be though
contenders.

At last the day came. There were thirty competitors in the fray. The
favourites were------Motu Hippopotamus, Scaly Crocodile, Trunky Tusky
Elephant Junior, Coily Snake, Wildy Buffalo, Hardy Tortoise, Finny
Fish, Jaunty Tiger, Bhalu Bear, Simpy Monkey and Cary Fox. The
organisers had scheduled the event on a Sunday, as it was a holiday, a
day of rest for all.

At 5 O'clock in the morning, all the competitors came and registered
their names. The participants would have to swim from the shore, which
was the starting point, up to the touchline and then come back to the
starting line to finish the race. The bank of the LOONEY RIVER bubbled
with excitement of the participants.

The animals gathered in large numbers, at the bank of the river to see
the competition. Some of them had come to cheer their favourite ones
while there were others to watch this sporting event. Sheru Lion had
been invited to inaugurate this event and he was also to give away the
prizes.

At 5.20 a.m. Sheru Lion opened the competition and at 5.30 the swimming
competition was whistled off. Sly Wly Fox was the referee. At the blow
of the whistle there was a thud, a jump and a splash in the waters. The
competitors were now swimming in the river, proceeding to the
touchline, to be back to finish the race. What loud cheerings_____it
really deafened the ears. A raft had been made and Fleet Feet Rabbit
sat on it and travelled alongside the competitors to see there was no
foul play. If anyone were found doing any act of nuisance, would
instantly be disqualified. All precautions had been taken to have a
fair game.

The competitors knew the strong and weak points of one another. The big
animals did not care a bit for the small ones. Tiny Ant was the
smallest creature of this competition but he did not feel disheartened
at all. From the very beginning, Tiny was very concerned with his
efforts. He concentrated a lot on the race, but he did not have anyone
to cheer him up_____only a shout, now and then, for him.

Simpy Monkey and Scaly Crocodile were running neck to neck. They were
well ahead of the others. Following close at their heels was Motu
Hippo, closely followed by Coily Snake, Wildy Buffalo and Hardy
Tortoise. Each and every participant was putting in all his efforts and
trying his level best to win this race. After quarter of an hour, Simpy
and Scaly were at the touch rope and were heading their way back for
the quickest finish. The others followed them closely.

The cheers and shouts heightened up. Only a few minutes remained to
know the winner. During all this time, no one had even bothered and
noticed the efforts of Tiny Ant. Tiny was swimming very fast and was
now on the verge to overtake Simpy and Scaly. These two were so much
engrossed in the race that they did not even feel the presence of Tiny
by their side. Only a few yards remained for the finish. Suddenly Tiny
dashed forward and was the first to end the race, followed by Simpy.
In-between Hardy had toiled hard and was placed third in the
race.

Tiny was the unexpected winner. What cheers loaded his victory! Grunty
Pig came forward and announced the names of the winners. Soon the
trophies were brought and Sheru was invited to give away the prizes.
Grunty said ------ "The First prize goes to Tiny Ant. He has indeed put
up a tough stand. Unbelievable! Tiny, please come up and accept your
winning trophy."

Tiny was so small and minute that when he crept up to Sheru, he had to
climb up, up to his paw to shake hands with him. But it was very
difficult for him to take hold of that big huge trophy_______ of course
for Tiny. It was then that his friends and relatives helped him.

"The Second prize goes to Simpy Monkey. Please come and collect your
trophy." Within seconds Simpy jumped up to Sheru and collected his
winning prize.

"The Third prize goes to Hardy Tortoise. Please do come and collect
your trophy." Hardy moved slowly and steadily and reached up to Sheru.
Sheru tapped his hard shell and handed him the trophy.

Grunty declared, " With this we come to the end of today's event. But,
we, the organisers are very happy at the response and hope for the same
response in the future also. I thank Sheru, the participants and all
those who had come to see and cheer, for having made this event so
successful. Those who have not won need not be disheartened. There is
always a second time. Again I say ______ three cheers for Tiny. The
game is closed."

Mostly all the animals were stunned at the winning feat of Tiny. They
had not even brought his presence into consideration. Soon all of them
began to part, making their way towards their houses. The winners were
indeed happy, but the losers_______ a disgruntled lot. Really TOON MOON
JUNGLE had a good gathering and recreation. Of course the LOONEY RIVER
was the most important place that day.

Remember: At times when you don't consider some one as your equal
competitor, he or she may overtake you at any corner. So always be
careful.