Fuentana

Not the place to ask that question, better place to ask that is on the discord. Or better yet, you can read one of the guides on the NS region page.

Commendations and Actions of the Monarch
 
On the occasion of a successful Summer Olympics, I, Baron Comte von Fontaine IV, hereby extend my deepest thanks to our host nation Tara and Cambray, and to all nations of the West that have brought glory to the entire region through their performance. 
On the eve of the Basketball Gold Medal Match and Baseball Bronze Medal Match—both against the friendly nation Hertfordia—I entered into a friendly wager with their leader Clarkov Clarkson. The terms of this wager:
If Fuentana wins the Gold, Hertfordia shall supply Fuentana with one shipment of 453.6 kilograms / 1,000 pounds of Hertfordia's finest meatballs. 
If Hertfordia prevails for the Gold, Fuentana shall donate the monetary equivalent  of the meatballs to a charity within Hertfordia.
I did not win the meatballs. 
Though my stomach grumbles and though the Fuentana arena suite now needs extensive repairs, I extend my congratulations to Clarkov Clarkson, the Hertfordia Olympic Basketball Team, and indeed the entire nation which basks in the glory of this gold.
I hereby announce that beginning tomorrow at 12:00 local time, I donate a total of 555,000 Fantas (250,000 Delta Pounds) to the Hospital of Great Parndon in Hertfordia.
By agreement with Mr. Clarkson, the donation shall cover the following:
50% will support cancer research conducted by the renowned team housed in that Hospital 25% will help fund immediate cancer services 25% will sustain patient resource initiatives, support groups, and the like. I have authorized Prime Minister Jérôme Montblanc to make this disbursement and complete all necessary paperwork.
By next week, I hope to announce the details of a trip to Hertfordia for a goodwill tour, including the formal presentation of the donation to the hospital and a visitation with the Government of Hertfordia. Also on the agenda is a new meatball trade deal. 
I am likewise overjoyed to announce that all athletes on this year's Olympic Squad have been inducted into the Order of the Fountain. They will receive their ceremonial platinum Fountain Pen on June 26. 
I look forward to more goodwill games and continued partnership with the many nations of the West.
After conferencing with the Monarch, I, Jérôme Montblanc, affirm the actions of the Monarch and endorse and sign this announcement.

Commendations and Actions of the Monarch
 
On the occasion of a successful Summer Olympics, I, Baron Comte von Fontaine IV, hereby extend my deepest thanks to our host nation Tara and Cambray, and to all nations of the West that have brought glory to the entire region through their performance. 
On the eve of the Basketball Gold Medal Match and Baseball Bronze Medal Match—both against the friendly nation Hertfordia—I entered into a friendly wager with their leader Clarkov Clarkson. The terms of this wager:
If Fuentana wins the Gold, Hertfordia shall supply Fuentana with one shipment of 453.6 kilograms / 1,000 pounds of Hertfordia's finest meatballs. 
If Hertfordia prevails for the Gold, Fuentana shall donate the monetary equivalent  of the meatballs to a charity within Hertfordia.
I did not win the meatballs. 
Though my stomach grumbles and though the Fuentana arena suite now needs extensive repairs, I extend my congratulations to Clarkov Clarkson, the Hertfordia Olympic Basketball Team, and indeed the entire nation which basks in the glory of this gold.
I hereby announce that beginning tomorrow at 12:00 local time, I donate a total of 555,000 Fantas (250,000 Delta Pounds) to the Hospital of Great Parndon in Hertfordia.
By agreement with Mr. Clarkson, the donation shall cover the following:
50% will support cancer research conducted by the renowned team housed in that Hospital 25% will help fund immediate cancer services 25% will sustain patient resource initiatives, support groups, and the like. I have authorized Prime Minister Jérôme Montblanc to make this disbursement and complete all necessary paperwork.
By next week, I hope to announce the details of a trip to Hertfordia for a goodwill tour, including the formal presentation of the donation to the hospital and a visitation with the Government of Hertfordia. Also on the agenda is a new meatball trade deal. 
I am likewise overjoyed to announce that all athletes on this year's Olympic Squad have been inducted into the Order of the Fountain. They will receive their ceremonial platinum Fountain Pen on June 26. 
I look forward to more goodwill games and continued partnership with the many nations of the West.
After conferencing with the Monarch, I, Jérôme Montblanc, affirm the actions of the Monarch and endorse and sign this announcement.

www.FSPN.com.fnt
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Brief Update
Most of Fuentana's small Olympic contingent have been in celebration mode. By day, they are roaming Tara and Cambray, taking in all the sights, sounds, and eats. By night, they're mostly meeting their caloric needs with the fine wines and brews of the host nation—along with a steady stream of meatballs. They continue to rub elbows alongside Baron Comte von Fontaine, the Monarch, who has happily introduced the athletes to various dignitaries and power players. Fuentana's medalists have proudly joined presentations, press conferences, and various tours to promote Olympic values and present a good face for Fuentana. 
But there's two teams who are still in the game: basketball (gold medal match) and baseball (third place game)—both against Hertfordia. The players and coaching staff are on press embargo, but sources tell us that the players are observing a strict and controlled regimen of practice and a diet of meatballs. The baseball players have even given up their day drinking. The intensity grows. 
 
 

www.fspn.com.fnt
1-0-1
8-0 Win Marred By Brawl and Banging Sound
It seemed too uncanny to be true. Larxia's Baseball Team has some of the most unhittable pitchers in all of the West, yet it seemed as if Fuentana's batters were reading their minds. Fuentana was off to a fast start, with leadoff hitter Louis Polanyi getting just enough wood on an outside fastball to send it opposite field over the short left field porch, the following three batters drew walks. This brought up slugger James Rodrigo (J-Rod), who put Fuentana ahead 5-0 on a grand slam in the 1st inning. He absolutely walloped an inside slider 463 feet into left field with an exit velocity of 117 mph. He also took his time enjoying the view and celebrated with an emphatic bat flip.

This clearly set off the Larxia squad. Though they kept their composure for several innings, that grand slam was more than enough. Two innings later, Fuentana tacked on another three runs, and their pitching limited Larxia to four hits with a combination of brains and brawn. Starter Kevin Green, a notorious hothead, pounded the inside of the plate with his upper 90s fastball and power sinker. He buzzed three Larxia hitters and outright hit two of them, leading to a most diplomatic exchange of sharp words and sharper looks. But things did not escalate until Larxia's starter returned the favor with a fastball high and inside. Though the umpire kept his cool, Fuentana southpaw reliever John Rocky came in for mop up duty and drilled the leadoff batter square in the back. The batter charged the mound, benches emptied, and Larxia's dignitaries in attendance glared from their box towards Fuentana's monarch Baron Comte von Fontaine, who promptly dropped a stack of papers he had been writing on and made his way to the Larxia box. Pleasantries were exchanged. 
After the game, Fuentana baseball manager Dan Zimmer was unapologetic. "If they don't like how my pitchers pitch, they can join tee ball." Green also refused to yield, saying, "Listen. Every baseball player deep in their heart knows to expect pitchers to establish the zone and protect it by going inside. It's part of the game, and I'm not going to change how I pitch." 
But on Larxia's side, there were rumbles about a strange banging sound that was heard during the first three innings whenever their pitcher delivered an off-speed pitch. The banging was especially noticeable just before the grand slam. A player speaking on condition of anonymity said, "I'm not saying there was anything untoward, but it seemed awfully suspicious. I'd watch Fuentana in the following game."
Fuentana's monarch could not be reached for comment, but a senior staffer tried to cool the issue by noting, "He's hot headed and a rabid sports fan just like anyone else."
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling over another scrap of paper that says,

You're gold in my heart
Would you race my way or should
I give you a crown?

www.fspn.com.fnt
1-0-1
8-0 Win Marred By Brawl and Banging Sound
It seemed too uncanny to be true. Larxia's Baseball Team has some of the most unhittable pitchers in all of the West, yet it seemed as if Fuentana's batters were reading their minds. Fuentana was off to a fast start, with leadoff hitter Louis Polanyi getting just enough wood on an outside fastball to send it opposite field over the short left field porch, the following three batters drew walks. This brought up slugger James Rodrigo (J-Rod), who put Fuentana ahead 5-0 on a grand slam in the 1st inning. He absolutely walloped an inside slider 463 feet into left field with an exit velocity of 117 mph. He also took his time enjoying the view and celebrated with an emphatic bat flip.

This clearly set off the Larxia squad. Though they kept their composure for several innings, that grand slam was more than enough. Two innings later, Fuentana tacked on another three runs, and their pitching limited Larxia to four hits with a combination of brains and brawn. Starter Kevin Green, a notorious hothead, pounded the inside of the plate with his upper 90s fastball and power sinker. He buzzed three Larxia hitters and outright hit two of them, leading to a most diplomatic exchange of sharp words and sharper looks. But things did not escalate until Larxia's starter returned the favor with a fastball high and inside. Though the umpire kept his cool, Fuentana southpaw reliever John Rocky came in for mop up duty and drilled the leadoff batter square in the back. The batter charged the mound, benches emptied, and Larxia's dignitaries in attendance glared from their box towards Fuentana's monarch Baron Comte von Fontaine, who promptly dropped a stack of papers he had been writing on and made his way to the Larxia box. Pleasantries were exchanged. 
After the game, Fuentana baseball manager Dan Zimmer was unapologetic. "If they don't like how my pitchers pitch, they can join tee ball." Green also refused to yield, saying, "Listen. Every baseball player deep in their heart knows to expect pitchers to establish the zone and protect it by going inside. It's part of the game, and I'm not going to change how I pitch." 
But on Larxia's side, there were rumbles about a strange banging sound that was heard during the first three innings whenever their pitcher delivered an off-speed pitch. The banging was especially noticeable just before the grand slam. A player speaking on condition of anonymity said, "I'm not saying there was anything untoward, but it seemed awfully suspicious. I'd watch Fuentana in the following game."
Fuentana's monarch could not be reached for comment, but a senior staffer tried to cool the issue by noting, "He's hot headed and a rabid sports fan just like anyone else."
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling over another scrap of paper that says,

You're gold in my heart
Would you race my way or should
I give you a crown?

11 June 1420
Zoranian Times Live!
0 - 0 - 1
"Hello Zoran! I am Quiyakaso and I am happy to say that I am still employed by the Zoranian Times! My outburst became a meme in Zoran overnight and I can only say that I am happy to still have a job! Anyways, today is the fourth day of the Olympics! Today we will see three of our athletes run in the Marathon, our coach has been making sure they have been well hydrated the past few days and has been helping them with pacing in order to not exhaust themselves while staying at a competitive speed. Meanwhile, our three spring board athletes have been preparing for today by challenging themselves to try new tricks they can do during their dive. I wish them the best of luck today and pray they will do well! Our gymnastics team has been resting since their event on the uneven bars. But the coach has been giving them some pointers on how to do well on the parallel bars today and has encouraged our gymnasts to not try to be over ambitious or overconfident when it comes to using certain techniques like we say yesterday! While we do expect the gymnasts to challenge themselves a bit on the parallel bars all of Zoran is hoping that they will perform to the best of their abilities! Today we will also get to see the fencing finals! Our champion in that event is Uku Tsevuida, a rising star in the Zoranian fencing world. I will be interviewing him later today but I have asked his coach what he plans to do to prepare him for the final and the coach answered me by saying that he is again making Uku practice with a real rapier but he is also having him practice his reflexes by having Uku play with his cat using a feather wand. While this may seem odd, he claims that his reflexes will improve in keeping the cat entertained with the wand. The coach has also had Uku watch the other finalists in their duels yesterday so he can see their fighting style and take advantage of any weak spots he can take advantage of. We have high hopes for Uku and all of Zoran is behind him along with his ancestors! Today is also the beginning of the judo competition and our team might be unknown but they are skilled! Their sensei has been having them spar with each other the past few days and has been making them go over the basics again to make sure they have them mastered! We look forward to seeing how they will perform later today! Finally, we also get to see our teams compete again today! After tying with Fujai yesterday, our football team has high hopes in making it to the finals and have been watching previous matches of other teams to see different strategies they use, but the coach has made sure to have them expect the unexpected in case they try something new. The same goes to our Rugby team as they have been practicing to keep themselves sharp but they have been taking time for themselves to ensure they are well rested. I look forward to seeing all of our athletes compete today and wish them all the best! I will see you all when I interview Uku Tsevuida later today!"

www.fspn.com.fnt
"More Meatballs!" and Beer: A Look Inside the Fuentana Village
Though they're a small contingent, the Fuentana National Team is a voracious bunch. 
Made up mostly of track and field athletes, along with 25 baseball players, 11 basketball stars, and a college player to take on rookie duties, this squad has proven to be hungry for victory—and for second servings. 
At the national team lunch today, there was a serving of pasta and meatballs, meatball parm sandwiches, and Asian-style meatball bahn mi. 
What's most amazing is that it's often the distance runners that are scarfing down the most food. Spring City Marathon Winner Shalana Flanagana walked by with two plates of pasta, and twelve minutes later the plates were clean. Stephen Postfontaine, fresh off a disappointing performance, was not quite despondent today because he was carrying a plate of twenty three meatballs. "More meatballs!!!" he exclaimed.
By the end of lunch, the whole basketball team was chanting "Ste-PHEN! Ste-PHEN!" as he downed orb after orb of meat. 
Meanwhile the baseball team was seen sneaking extra sandwiches back to their hotel rooms. One player, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, "Have you ever seen baseball? It's boring. We'll sneak bites all game long." I asked, "Do you sneak in anything else?" He said "Shh," and pointed to a bag in the corner filled with cans of beer. "We'll get it out of our system before the 7th inning for sure." 
 

10 June 1420
Zoranian Times Live!
0 - 0 - 1
*Quiyakaso rubs his jaw as recording begins*
"Oh hello Zoran! Today is the third day of the Olympics and things are already starting to look up for our athletes since yesterday night! I spoke with some of the athletes who will be competing today and I also spoke to the coaches  and asked what they have been doing to prepare for today! First, I spoke to the coach of the gymnasts as for some reason the athletes do not want to talk to me! He told me that since today they will be competing in the Uneven Bars, he has been having his athletes work on their upper body strength so they can be able to perform well during the event. She told me that Halona and Elu have been working on some pretty advanced and difficult skills even before the Olympics was announced and she said she was amazed at how well they both have been able to improve them so quickly. The coach told me that Halona is planning on performing the Triple Back Dismount in her routine and Elu is planning on incorporating the Def in hers. The coach says that she admires her girls in their dedication to the sport and says that she has seen both girls do both of these techniques over the years and that when they recently performed them it was practically flawless and she prays to the Great Spirit that they will be able to replicate the perfection they have shown in practice."
*Gets interrupted by a guy from Hertfordia who jumps in front of the camera*
"GO HERTFORDIA!"
*Quiyakaso pushes him away*
"Sorry for that folks! Anyways, out windsailing team has been working hard as well and has been practicing out on the T&C coast! The coach has told me that after what has occurred yesterday with the dinghy race, they would not allow to take any chances and so has been making sure the windsurfers have experience with the non-Zoranian windsurfing boards, which are known to have some secret and subtle design features which allow for quick and easier movements due to our people having an ancient naval tradition where we had people observing the winds and the tides, and have been making sure they aren't getting sloppy."
*same man comes back on screen*
"HERTFORDIA IS NUMBER ONE IN RUGBY!"
*Quiyakaso shoves the man away harder*
"You lost to Fujai last night! Stop interrupting my news broadcast!" Quiyakaso yells at the man,
"I apologize again for that interruption. Also, today is the first day of fencing and our fencers have been practicing with real rapiers to get themselves in a life or death mentality for when they compete in the events. Their coach explained that by having them use real and sharp rapiers, they will be more precise with their strikes and will have them fence smarter than before to prevent themselves from being injured. He claims to have seen massive improvements with the athletes and surprisingly none of the athletes have been injured so far. The coach has also been helping them with their form and footing to ensure that they will be fencing properly. We hope to see the results of this avant garde idea."
*Stops and looks around to make sure the Hertfordian doesn't interrupt him again*
"Finally to-"
"HERTFORDIA WILL BRING HO-"
*Beats microphone over the head of the Hertfordian*
"WILL YOU JUST GET OUT OF HERE!"
*looks at camera*
"My apologies viewers, anyways, our teams are going on to round two today and our coaches have been drilling them hard since their victories yesterday. They are making sure they are rested up as well while keeping them sharp for the matches later today. I will see you at the events Zoran!"
*goes back to anchors as he slams his microphone over rising hand from bottom of the screen*

Well, at least Saint Mark is upholding its maritime traditions. I've certainly not been making a good show of things myself so far.
Edward, please make sure the arrangements are made for a cocktail reception in honor of Arthur Windswept.
Hurrah for Gold!

The Olympics intro song plays and an an anchor welcomes the eager nation to the day's coverage. "Good evening all, today we celebrate the award of another gold and silver medal. Some circles particularly celebrate the silver medalist in one-person dinghy sailing, Gilen de Mey. That name may be familiar, as he was the sailor who made news in 1417 for his outstanding sportsmanship at the Saint Aiaden Regatta. I am pleased to introduce the story of Gilen, as prepared by NBBC-"
A slideshow of photos of Gilen competing slide across the screen, a voice-over begins in a soft tone- "Gilen de Mey, the 36 year old olympic sailor captured the hearts and minds of the nation in 1417 for his selflessness and sportsmanship, has a history of excellence in his sporting and professional endeavors. 
"Born in the town of Brindard, near Colkirk, Gilen was raised far away from the traditional sailing circles of Saint Aiaden and North the High. He came upon his love of the water in his second year at the Tamaric University of Saint Aiaden where he was studying chemical engineering. During a spirit event, the student union required their officers to take part in a sailing demonstration - an event later lauded for its breaking down of traditional social barriers to the sport- Gilen took to sailing like a natural. The University's sailing coach took notice, and Gilen was captain of the TUSA Sailing Team by the end of his third year. 
"Following graduation, Gilen remained affiliated with his University team and often volunteered as an organizer. All this while his professional life was picking up, Gilen was contracted with the defense company Aurantium where he would later meet his current partner, Jacen- a corporate lawyer. 
"His love for sailing was not slowed, however. Gilen and Jacen would go on to purchase lakefront property and participate in Sailing Society events from which Gilen would come to meet the Convenor of NB Sailing, the organization which trains and selects the athletes for the olympics. 
"Gilen would compete in his first Saint Aiaden Regatta in 1412, securing an unexpected third-place victory. He would regularly place in the top 10 for the next few years, along with a second-place finish to Oswin Whittlee. Something changed in 1417, because Gilen was moving along at a quick clip, even though the waters were exceptionally rough. About halfway through the race, he seemed to have a firm grip on first placement when disaster struck.
"Gilen heard the cries of two sailors competing in a different event nearby. One of them clinging desperately to their boat, which had capsized under five-foot waves. The other had been  swept 70 feet off by the rough water. Instead of staying in his race, Gilen set course for the sailors and pulled them out of the water. His hope for a first-place trophy all but dashed, Gilen waited for rescue boats to arrive. By the time they did, he'd fallen to 28th place. But Gilen's bravery did not go unrewarded. The Regatta steering committee gave him the Jan-Pieter Bloemink medal, a special award for exceptional sportsmanship.
"Today we celebrate an exceptional man, his dedication to sportsmanship, and his demonstration of Tamaric values all throughout his life."
__________________________________________________________________________________

OFFICIAL RELEASE - BASRIC ASTORIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Oswin Whittlee, sailor in the one-person dinghy has been placed on Investigative Suspension of any official duties within Olympic Committees
or any National Sport Organizations partner of the Basric Astorian Olympic Committee. Whittlee's Investigative Suspension is a matter related
to his professional conduct in the Day 2 race. No official determinations have been made and Whittlee will continue to compete in any other
qualifying events, barring such an official determination. 

Giovannilandian Olympic Report - 2nd Day
Hello all for another Giovannilandian Olympic Report! This day in the 1st Summer Olympics, there was plenty happening, as several team sports had their first matches. Let's make an overview of everything! 
10k run: In this tiring event, athletes had to run 10 kilometres! Giovanniland did pretty good on here, as Marko Kambraya got a silver medal for running the entire distance in 27 minutes, just 36 milliseconds after Molly Hurdle from Fuentana. Other athletes didn't do so well, as Anastasio Fernando-Vittoriani, Giorgio Quirano, and Sara Urbana-Amorio were placed 20th, 21st and 22nd, respectively.
Handball: The Giovannilandian team got off to a good start in a close match against hosts Cambria. Both teams played evenly, and Giovanniland won by only one point, with the final score of 24-23. Soon, the Giovannilandians will play against Hertfordia, leader of the group by point difference.
Baseball: It was a wonderful day for the Giovannilandian Baseball team, as they won 5-3 against Cambria. Giovanniland now tops the group, being ahead of Irador, which won against Fujai, by point difference.
Basketball: While our country had luck on other team sports, the Basketball team did not succeed, as they lost on a close match 61-70 to Larxia. The team still has chance to qualify to the knockout round, as they will play Nieubasria and Bobki.

Football: The Giovannilandian Football team succeeded against Hertfordia, winning 2-1. In the first half, the Hertfordian team scored a goal pretty early, however the star of the match Regina Horatiano-Viselli scored 2 goals on the second half to turn the match around and give the win to Giovanniland.
Water Polo: This was yet another successful start for Giovanniland. Our team played against hosts Cambria (again!) and won 8-4.
In conclusion, this was a very eventful day! There was only a silver medal, but the many wins on team sports show that Giovanniland has great chances of getting into the knockout round of these, and possibly win more medals for our country. See you tomorrow!

www.fspn.com.fnt
"More Meatballs!" and Beer: A Look Inside the Fuentana Village
Though they're a small contingent, the Fuentana National Team is a voracious bunch. 
Made up mostly of track and field athletes, along with 25 baseball players, 11 basketball stars, and a college player to take on rookie duties, this squad has proven to be hungry for victory—and for second servings. 
At the national team lunch today, there was a serving of pasta and meatballs, meatball parm sandwiches, and Asian-style meatball bahn mi. 
What's most amazing is that it's often the distance runners that are scarfing down the most food. Spring City Marathon Winner Shalana Flanagana walked by with two plates of pasta, and twelve minutes later the plates were clean. Stephen Postfontaine, fresh off a disappointing performance, was not quite despondent today because he was carrying a plate of twenty three meatballs. "More meatballs!!!" he exclaimed.
By the end of lunch, the whole basketball team was chanting "Ste-PHEN! Ste-PHEN!" as he downed orb after orb of meat. 
Meanwhile the baseball team was seen sneaking extra sandwiches back to their hotel rooms. One player, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, "Have you ever seen baseball? It's boring. We'll sneak bites all game long." I asked, "Do you sneak in anything else?" He said "Shh," and pointed to a bag in the corner filled with cans of beer. "We'll get it out of our system before the 7th inning for sure." 
 

Review - The 2nd day of the Saint-Josalyn Olympic
"Hi I'm Ausrelian Ifanov and I'm going to review all the matches our athletes were in. During the 2nd day of the Olympics, we had less athletes compete but we did better than the 1st day. In Badminton Singles, we had 2 of our athletes, Dewret CIrcca and Lelio Aureli were in the semi finals but unluckily, none of them made into the finals, so  they had to battle each other for a bronze medal. At the end, Lelio Aureli won the Bronze Medal. In Badminton Doubles, we won our first gold medal by Reder Serncic and Qelet Minovic, defeating the athletes from the Spheric Marble Mallorcan Republic. In Lightweight Boxing, our athlete Baltia Fisitic defeated Slobodan Dreimanis from Hertfordia and Jammbo and he rechead the semi-finals. In Heavyweight Boxing, Guarham Boric was defeated in the quarter finals by Deorwine Trumane from Nieubasria. We'll review the other sports after an another news about the Olympics."
"In a very small town located at the southeast of Irador, the eletricty was out for about an hour during the finals of the badminton doubles. It says that too much electricity was used during the time." says a reporter.
"So, let's continue with the rest of the sports, all of them are team sports. In Lacrosse, we won against Teralyon 10-4, making us lead in Group 1. In Baseball, we won by only 1 point against Fujai which makes us second in Group 1. In Basketball, we defeated the Marble Mallorcan Republic by a score of 66-58. In football, we unfortunately lost against Cambria by a score of 1-0 which made us place last in Group 1. In volleyball, we lost against Novasamita. So, its the end of the review, and I'll see you at the 3rd day and there will be even more matches to review since there will be more athletes competing than today."
1-1-2

2 - 0 - 0
Day 2 of the Summer Olympics - Review
The second day was not very abundant for the Novasamitan delegation, especially those in the single events. Shot put athletes Peter Rubensen and Jonas Nordhelm were both in the lowest 5, Brien Klassen was narrowly defeated by Halona Ani'-Wah' of Zoran , Janna Kircholmsen getting 17th place and Luis Venne getting defeated by Rachel Cordina of T&C. Novasamita's lacrosse team suffered another loss as well, and the team for baseball lost too.
Most of the successes today were by team groups, though. Novasamita's basketball team rose to 2nd place in the second group rankings, defeating Fuentana 73-68. The Rugby Sevens team absolutely pounded the Marble Mallorcan Republic's team, 7-40, as well as the volleyball team, who won against the Iradorians. 
The rest of the Novasamitan delegation, especially the teams who qualified for next rounds, are hopeful tomorrow will bring more wins.
Novasamitan Spectator Hyperventilates After Shot Put Ball Nearly Misses Him By Inches, Rushed to Hospital
Sports enthusiast Karl Druslau was watching the shot put event at the Saint-Josalyn Track and Field, 9th of June, when a shot put was accidentally thrown onto the net, and barely missing Druslau. The 58-year old, known to have asthma, hyperventilated rapidly, causing him to have difficulty breathing. His friends noticed this and immediately rushed him to the hospital, where he is currently being treated. He will be sent home to be taken care of further at his hometown of Mittelbache. Stadtholder Vredgaar has sent him a bouquet of flowers and an inhaler.

Review - Day 2 of the Saint-Josalyn Summer Olympics | Rívjü - Dei 2 av đi Seint-Deeušalin Šame Ęlimpiks
Day 2, while it went reasonably well, did not go as well as last time. To demonstrate that, here is the medal count for day 2:
Šilve: 1 Branz: 2
Despite the lack of gold medals, the Olympic team still managed to pull together some great performers. Due to the current medal count, we sit 5th in the Olympic Medal Table with 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. As with every single day, here is the ranking of each individual athlete. Again, due to our web page limitations, the team rankings will be posted after the individual rankings.
Yes, this will be insanely long, viewers. Deal with it, we have tons of athletes!

Takumi Mihailov - Finished 2nd in the High Jump Final - A delivery boy who happens to be a racing prodigy, also has a habit of crashing into walls while drifting excessively.
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Phil Yevhenovych - Finished 3rd in the One-Person Dinghy Sailing - A retired musician and lead of one of Hertfordia's most recgonizable bands. Richard Hammond despises them.
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Mario Volodymyrovych/Matt Miķelsons - Finished 3rd in the Badminton Doubles - This is not normal Mario Volodymyrovych, this is Stupid Mario Volodymyrovych, a man with an IQ of -7 and a brain the size of an blood cell. As for Matt, he is the former health minister, who turned out to be unpopular with health workers.
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Richard Hammond - Currently in the Semi-Finals of the Lightweight Boxing
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Bobby Kazymyrovych - Finished 6th in the Shot Put
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Slobodan Dreimanis - Eliminated in the Quarter-Finals of the Lightweight Boxing
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Kaiser Ruslanovych - Finished 13th in the 10,000m Run
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Jamie Dachev - Finished 14th in the 10,000m Run
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Keisuke Yakovych - Finished 9th in the High Jump
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Vojislav Petrovskis - Finished 14th in the Gymnastics Balance Beam
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Satan Salmiņš - Finished 9th in the Shot Put
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Milan Balkanski - Finished 18th in the Gymnastics Balance Beam
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Rococo Omelyanovych - Finished 21st in the One-Person Dinghy Sailing
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Rose Rysinov - Eliminated in Round 1 of the Heavyweight Boxing
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Draco Centauros - Finished 20th in the Gymnastics Balance Beam
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Franjo Širovs - Eliminated in Round 1 of the Heavyweight Boxing
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Kokichi Pencis - Finished 22nd in the Gymnastics Balance Beam
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That is the end of the first part, see you very soon when the second half of the review is posted.
                

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Molly Hurdle Garners First Gold for Fuentana; Team Sports Begin
Despite a disappointing showing in the 1500m, distance runner Molly Hurdle won gold in the 10K run. It was a photo finish as she held off a surging Marko Cambraya of Giovanniland during the final kick. The Fuentana contingent was ecstatic! In the dignitary box, the Monarch Baron Comte von Fontaine was quite animated throughout the race. 
"This felt great after the disappointment of the day before. We train for years for moments like this, and it is unbelievable to see it happening," said an ecstatic Hurdle. "All of those miles and workouts paid off." 
What is Hurdle looking forward to after this? "Gymnastics. They're such amazing athletes and artists, and I'll just sit back and marvel at their craft." 
On day 2, the Monarch and his entourage caught part of the Baseball team's close 7-6 victory over Nieubasria and the Basketball team's close loss over Novasamita (73-68).
Fuentana baseball edged out the victory with solid tactical small ball. Down 4-2 with runners on first and second, third baseman Scott Funyon tied the game by flaring a pitch into a soft spot in right field as both runners attempted a double steal.  A squeeze play earned them the decisive run. Bob Hoffman closed the game in the 9th with two groundouts and a strikeout.
At the opening basketball match, the Monarch had to be restrained after berating the referee for a borderline call that resulting in Fuentana star Charles Starkley fouling out of the game with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter. 
Basketball Head Coach Jed Van Grumpy was likewise frustrated during and after the game. During the post-game interview he said, "In an ideal world, the game will be decided by the players. All too often, it's the officiating that decides the game. At a level like this, you need to get the calls right." 
Starkley agreed, but was a bit more despondent. The 35 year old veteran is playing in his final Olympics, and wants to make every game count. "This is my last chance at glory. I'd hate for my career to be marred by close losses like these. But we'll play better next game."
The frustration among the basketball squad was assuaged by news of Hurdle's gold medal. Said Starkley, "Molly represents the best of our culture and our competitive spirit. We're awed and proud of her victory. But I want a gold too."
Whether that gold is attainable after a painful loss like today is now the major question in this locker room. 
Odds and Ends
Center Marcus Crampy nearly posted a triple double with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 blocks... Point Guard Kevin Yolly sparked the team off the bench with 10 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals... highly touted college star Christian Baitner did not see any action. 
Speaking of the monarch...
A somewhat incriminating scrap of paper was found at the venue where the Monarch celebrated alongside many of the elite runners after the 1500 final. It read:
Flowing hair enchants
As does the graceful stride of
Francine Courrier*
*RL inspiration: the author of "Hey There Delilah" wrote the song about a professional distance runner Delilah DiCrescenzo. 

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Fuentana's First Medal: Em Scissors takes Bronze in 1500m
In a closely contested 1500m final, Em Scissors held on during the final 200m of the race to finish with a bronze. This gave Fuentana their first medal in the Summer Olympics.
"It's a little disappointing that [teammate] Molly Hurdle did not qualify for the finals. We've been training together for the last two years," noted Scissors. Despite that, Hurdle was clearly overjoyed at her teammate's accomplishment. She was captured on camera cheering loudly.
During the post event press conference, Hurdle explained: "It's definitely a lot of emotions to process, but the running community is a small one. I've raced Francine and Catia plenty of times, and each one of us, Em included, has had our victories. Sometimes it comes down to who had the best rest, the best food, and so on. For me, well, I know not to carboload on fettucine alfredo before the big day."
Scissors added with a bit of shade, "The important thing is that the medalists truly earn it." At Fuentana's Olympic Qualifiers, two middle distance runners failed pre-race drug tests and were immediately slapped with an eight-year ban from the national team program. 
"We train the right way by training at high altitudes and carefully following a dietary regimen that relies on good, healthy food and good old fashioned training. That's what makes this moment so special." 
Scissors and Hurdle were later seen celebrating in Saint-Josalyn with the other medalists and with Fuentana's Monarch at a well-known whisky bar. The Monarch seemed to be quite cozy with one of the runners... 

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The Fuentana Olympic Contingent: Behind the Scenes
Baron Comte von Fontaine, Fuentana's Monarch, wouldn't miss it for the world. As final preparations began for the TWP Summer Olympics, the Monarch announced he would accompany the Olympic contingent and personally cheer the nation, all while rubbing elbows with the elite across the region.
After a sumptuous brunch with the monarch, the athletes returned to Boutique, a chic new hotel in Saint-Josalyn. There, they lounged for an hour and a half before donning their official uniforms and making way to the opening ceremony.
Fuentana's athletes had a surprise in store. When their nation made their way out for the parade, the basketball team pulled out bluetooth speakers and blasted Crab Rave. Then, team by team, they flossed and moonwalked to introduce each other. The last tandem of athletes to be introduced were the nation's sole men's 4 x 400m relay team, who fashioned themselves into an a cappella quartet called Botched Handoff. They gave a stirring rendition of Fuentana's national anthem. 
Time will tell whether the fancy footwork of Fuentana's Olympians will translate into glory on the track, the basketball court, or the baseball diamond. But the optimism is palpable among these athletes and their monarch. 
 

FSPN.com.fnt
The Fuentana Olympic Contingent: Behind the Scenes
Baron Comte von Fontaine, Fuentana's Monarch, wouldn't miss it for the world. As final preparations began for the TWP Summer Olympics, the Monarch announced he would accompany the Olympic contingent and personally cheer the nation, all while rubbing elbows with the elite across the region.
After a sumptuous brunch with the monarch, the athletes returned to Boutique, a chic new hotel in Saint-Josalyn. There, they lounged for an hour and a half before donning their official uniforms and making way to the opening ceremony.
Fuentana's athletes had a surprise in store. When their nation made their way out for the parade, the basketball team pulled out bluetooth speakers and blasted Crab Rave. Then, team by team, they flossed and moonwalked to introduce each other. The last tandem of athletes to be introduced were the nation's sole men's 4 x 400m relay team, who fashioned themselves into an a cappella quartet called Botched Handoff. They gave a stirring rendition of Fuentana's national anthem. 
Time will tell whether the fancy footwork of Fuentana's Olympians will translate into glory on the track, the basketball court, or the baseball diamond. But the optimism is palpable among these athletes and their monarch. 
 

Grievances of the Unheard
Once upon a time there was a dream to make a land for the free,
A dream and that is all it was as people of color were bound
In the chains forced upon them by their fellow men; as their lives
and cries were lost as the bells of freedom rang and drowned their loud sounds;
While their fellow men would whip and beat these poor black men to the hard ground, 
And yet for those that ran/to be free, they would be fed to the hounds,
 
But the Fathers that found this ravaged land had the chance to end it all
And yet they kept the system out of fear; to unite the states and doomed
Their posterity to centuries of hate and pain and spilt blood,
And now I watch the news of the people who are consumed by the gloom,
Unable to do my part at seventeen as men are inhumed
As they seek to be heard after being ignored as anger ballooned,
 
While those before who rebelled in Shay’s and Whiskey were pardoned
Along with those who left to keep the blood rusted chains in the fields
By Washington and Lincoln, who many admire and praise as heroes,
And yet the men and women who peacefully protest for ideals
Of justice after being ignored for far too long yell out pleads;
Only to be met with force and are sent to jail by some fiends,
 
After years of fighting for rights of colored people years ago
Were all those sacrifices of those who died for change made in vain?
Liberty may stand on broken chains but she cries in chains herself
As she watches as her people are shot and gassed, writhing in pain,
Meanwhile the orange man hides away tweeting away; guilty as Cain
As he guns down his own citizens, showing how he is insane,
 
But here I sit holding back tears writing these words to express how trapped
I feel; unable to do my part at seventeen when men before
Conquered nations at my age, and yet I am unable to help
Those who are on the ground taking a stand for true justice and more,
All I can do is sit and watch the world burn as more blood is poured,
Is this the land of the free or of the damned, I ask as I offer another prayer,

Here's a prompt if it helps:
Where or how are you finding meaning during this crisis? Writings may deploy poetry or prose in response. As you ponder the question consider some of the following:
Persons: what have friends, family members, strangers said or done to render care and support? Have you read about or learned about any heroic figures in your local community or beyond?  Places: is there a special space in your home or neighborhood (if safe) that you've turned to? Practices: are there any daily rituals or regular practices that have helped you? This can range from cooking to watching The Office to prayer or meditation to art.

Do you like creative writing? Would you like your writing to be considered for publication in The West Pacifican?
Consider submitting to the Writers' Corner. 
 
The Writers' Corner is a feature I started in the May issue to showcase the creative writing of our region and to further build our culture of participation and creativity. We will happily consider any form of creative writing: short essays, short stories, poems, RP-based writing. 
Please use this Google form to submit writings: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeVyKlr-RPmepyu3Nlkh5la-pxZod_MW5yGWoAhxGOFT91JA/viewform
 
Parameters:
1. For short stories or essays, 400 - 900 words.

2. For poetry, maximum of two (2) poems for most styles and maximum of four (4) haiku will be considered per issue, not to exceed 500 words.

3. Please re-use this form for every submission. Note that while there is no limit to submissions, our goal is to publish as many authors in TWP as possible.

4. Depending on volume of submissions, we will aim to notify you of selection for publication two weeks before The West Pacifican goes to print. The West Pacifican is published on the first Friday of each month. We the staff will also consider publishing accepted submissions on our offsite forum: https://www.westpacific.org/forums/index.php?/forum/60-the-west-pacifican/

5. No NSFW language or concepts. Writing should be thoughtful and tasteful out of respect to our diverse range of players and perspectives. We endorse and adhere to the Protecting our Players Accord.

It is recommended that you complete your writing in Microsoft Word, then copy/paste into the form to avoid losing your work.

For any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me on Discord at Fuentana#3423.

Here's a prompt if it helps:
Where or how are you finding meaning during this crisis? Writings may deploy poetry or prose in response. As you ponder the question consider some of the following:
Persons: what have friends, family members, strangers said or done to render care and support? Have you read about or learned about any heroic figures in your local community or beyond?  Places: is there a special space in your home or neighborhood (if safe) that you've turned to? Practices: are there any daily rituals or regular practices that have helped you? This can range from cooking to watching The Office to prayer or meditation to art.

Do you like creative writing? Would you like your writing to be considered for publication in The West Pacifican?
Consider submitting to the Writers' Corner. 
 
The Writers' Corner is a feature I started in the May issue to showcase the creative writing of our region and to further build our culture of participation and creativity. We will happily consider any form of creative writing: short essays, short stories, poems, RP-based writing. 
Please use this Google form to submit writings: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeVyKlr-RPmepyu3Nlkh5la-pxZod_MW5yGWoAhxGOFT91JA/viewform
 
Parameters:
1. For short stories or essays, 400 - 900 words.

2. For poetry, maximum of two (2) poems for most styles and maximum of four (4) haiku will be considered per issue, not to exceed 500 words.

3. Please re-use this form for every submission. Note that while there is no limit to submissions, our goal is to publish as many authors in TWP as possible.

4. Depending on volume of submissions, we will aim to notify you of selection for publication two weeks before The West Pacifican goes to print. The West Pacifican is published on the first Friday of each month. We the staff will also consider publishing accepted submissions on our offsite forum: https://www.westpacific.org/forums/index.php?/forum/60-the-west-pacifican/

5. No NSFW language or concepts. Writing should be thoughtful and tasteful out of respect to our diverse range of players and perspectives. We endorse and adhere to the Protecting our Players Accord.

It is recommended that you complete your writing in Microsoft Word, then copy/paste into the form to avoid losing your work.

For any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me on Discord at Fuentana#3423.