Arifiyyah

Monday 25th October 1421 - Häřtferdsierndeambeu Esferied Kęmiti - Review of the II Summer Esferiad opening ceremony
 
Jeremy Clarkson: Hello and welcome to a very haphazard broadcast of the II Summer Esferiad. Now we weren't meant to start reporting until this had been completed but well...
Richard Hammond: I'll handle this Jeremy. So basically for those of you who are watching James, or Captain Slow as we call him, decided to take charge of sorting out our character roster and he hasn't finished.
Jeremy Clarkson: No, not even close. So me and Richard have told him to go away and do it quicker.
Richard Hammond: I doubt he will though.
Jeremy Clarkson: I'd have to agree with you there.
Richard Hammond: What this means is we can't give you a full live report on the opening ceremony.
Jeremy Clarkson: What we can do however is reveal a few details as to Hertfordshire & Jammbo's presence at the ceremony.
                 
The blazers that were worn by the HNJEK members at the opening ceremony. The ice blue one is the main blazer worn by the athletes, while the sea green one is a special blazer worn by Clarkson, Hammond, May & Kramer to distinguish them as reporters on the games.
Richard Hammond: If you look at the picture on the screen you can see the ice blue blazer that our athletes wear and the sea green blazer worn by us hosts here in the HNJEK news quarters.
Jeremy Clarkson: Now I'm told that these represent the predominantly taiga climate that Hertfordshire & Jammbo resides in, but I can't make out how that is.
Richard Hammond: That's because you're a Neanderthal.
Jeremy Clarkson: Whatever, shall we tune in to the ceremony now? That was rhetorical by the way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhSHXGM7kgE
The tune to which HNJEK athletes marched out at the opening ceremony.
Jeremy Clarkson: As you can see there are simply way too many athletes to do any individual focus on and by what I'm getting others seem to think that too.
Richard Hammond: Yes Jeremy, in fact I believe I have spotted a phone insult match between an archer of Blue Bubble and his nation-leading sister that mentions 'Jambo'. God, his spelling could do with an upgrade.
Jeremy Clarkson: I'm just confused as to how you got that footage with no one noticing especially when we're up here and they're all down there.
Richard Hammond: Local radio techniques, I know the whole lot. I just lurk around with my secret neck tie camera... that isn't a secret anymore, ah.
Jeremy Clarkson: So you've been spying on random strangers for news.
Richard Hammond: Well that's what you're meant to do!
Jeremy Clarkson: Hmm, I think that tells us a lot there.
Richard Hammond: I know more about broadcasting than you, I was on top of it.
Jeremy Clarkson: Okay audience you're all live on our special HNJEK tally chart now, so hands up if you think that Richard has been a paparazzi.
(The hands up column reaches a staggering 97% percent)
Jeremy Clarkson: So there we are viewers, Richard Hammond is a stalker.
Richard Hammond: What?! [confused exasperated tone]
Jeremy Clarkson: And on that note, we'll stop talking now so enjoy the rest of the broadcast without us bleating every second of it.
Richard Hammond: Yes, thanks for watching and goodbye. Now then, where's James?
Events/Ívents Athletes/Àølīts Artistic Swimming Hertfordshire and Jammbo Artistic Swimming Association 200m Freestyle Swimming Doppio Kostov, Josuke Honcharuk, Isaac Myroshnychenko Individual Archery  Patrick Manev, Phoenix Rait Equestrian Individual Dressage Rantaro Antonenko, Klug Nankov One-Person Dinghy Sailing Diavolo Kucherenko, Franziska van Kirilova 10m Air Pistol Shooting Yukari Yaremenko, Ringo Romanyuk Individual Taekwondo Stage 1 Naho Sotirova, Vekar Griķis Water Polo Matchday 1 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Water Polo Team Baseball Matchday 1 Hertfordia Baseball Beach Volleyball Matchday 1 Frisk Dachev + Robert Spïďwagen The schedule, at least it should be, for Day 1 of Summer Esferiad II.
 
As you'd expect, James still hadn't finished his important job. Hurry up man! In the meantime it's now time to hand over to the silent news department. Some say that they have no understanding of timing, and that their walls taste like pistachio ice cream. All we know is, they are the HNJEK.
            
 

Schedule announcement!
Due to changes in the number of entries near the end of the signup period, the schedules for the following sports have changed, we do apologize for the lateness of this change and any inconvenience it causes:
Water Polo
Group stage: Days 1-7 - 2 groups of 7, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 8 Semifinal: Day 9 Final: Day 10 Basketball
Group stage: Days 1-7 - 2 groups of 7, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 8 Semifinal: Day 9 Final: Day 10 Baseball
Group stage: Days 1-5 - 2 groups of 6, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 6 Semifinal: Day 7 Final: Day 8 Beach Volleyball
Group stage: Days 1-5 - 2 groups of 5, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 6 Semifinal: Day 7 Final: Day 8 Handball
Group stage: Days 5-10 - 3 groups of 3, double leg round robin - top 1 in group and 1 highest 2nd placer advance Semifinal: Day 11 Final: Day 12 Lacrosse
Group stage: Days 5-10 - 3 groups of 3, double leg round robin - top 1 in group and 1 highest 2nd placer advance Semifinal: Day 11 Final: Day 12 Indoor Volleyball
Group stage: Days 6-11 - 3 groups of 4,4,3, double leg round robin - top 2 in group and 2 highest 3rd placers advance Quarterfinal: Day 12 Semifinal: Day 13 Final: Day 14 Field Hockey
Group stage: Days 7-11 - 2 groups of 6, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 12 Semifinal: Day 13 Final: Day 14 Football
Group stage: Days 7-11 - 3 groups of 5,4,4, single leg round robin - top 2 in group and 2 highest 3rd placers advance Quarterfinal: Day 12 Semifinal: Day 13 Final: Day 14 Rugby Sevens
Group stage: Days 7-11 - 2 groups of 5, single leg round robin - top 4 in group advance Quarterfinal: Day 12 Semifinal: Day 13 Final: Day 14  
This thread's OP will be updated with the new schedule after today's results, and group assignments will be posted before cutoff tomorrow.

Artistic Swimming 1 Santos-Dominius (SDS) 49.917 - Gold Nieubasria (NIU) 49.917 - Gold 3 Larxia (LXA) 49.833 - Bronze 4 Hertfordshire & Jammbo (HEJ) 49.250 5 Blue Bubble (BLB) 48.917 6 Giovanniland (GIO) 48.167 7 Fujai (FJA) 47.417 8 Teralyon (TLN) 46.833 9 Orandia (ORA) 46.500 10 United Adaikes (UAD) 46.333 11 Dalimbar (DAL) 45.833 12 Tupmonia (TUP) 45.500 200 m Freestyle Swim Heat 1 1 Nilton Aaron (GIO) 1:57.31 - Q 2 Ola Sudeide (BLB) 1:57.87 - Q 3 Estel Betrys Oriol (NIU) 1:59.63 - Q 4 Paul Racer (SMK) 2:00.68 5 Jasmine Pierce (TCM) 2:01.05 6 Strahimir Zemlinsky (TLN) 2:01.35 7 Kjetil Aksnes (FJA) 2:02.09 8 James Peaty (TCM) 2:02.58 9 Brontes Lillie (DIL) 2:02.87 10 Mira Tunheim (FJA) 2:03.52 Heat 2 1 Patrice Owens (SDS) 1:55.47 - Q 2 Josuke Honcharuk (HEJ) 1:59.01 - Q 3 Adrien Line (BLB) 1:59.69 - Q 4 Vera Sant'ana-Borban (GIO) 1:59.96 - Q 5 Ludovic Marceli (DIL) 2:00.65 6 Teresa Benini (DAL) 2:01.15 7 Isaac Myroshnychenko (HEJ) 2:01.27 8 Evard Marquist (SMK) 2:01.56 9 Tahel Evelina (DIL) 2:03.73 10 Vukosav Simonov (TLN) 2:05.50 Heat 3 1 Farlina Arruda (GIO) 1:57.49 - Q 2 Doppio Kostov (HEJ) 1:57.97 - Q 3 Jesper Herre (ORA) 1:58.45 - Q 4 Clement Allaway (DAL) 2:00.00 5 Anthony Labelle (SMK) 2:01.05 6 Yelena Mitrovic (LXA) 2:01.52 7 Marta Diaz (LXA) 2:02.58 8 Kanute Merritt (BLB) 2:02.74 9 Hannah Payne (TCM) 2:03.75 10 Axelle Reverdin (ORA) 2:04.20 Heat 4 1 Michael Phillip (LXA) 1:57.69 - Q 2 Osebertus Haward (NIU) 1:57.79 - Q 3 Jordana Montagne-Sousa (GIO) 1:58.17 - Q 4 Shavonne Simon (UAD) 2:00.34 5 Anita Kinsley (UAD) 2:00.37 6 Tasiya Jelinek (DAL) 2:00.82 7 Marcus Alejandro (LXA) 2:00.86 8 Luke Waterman (SMK) 2:00.94 9 Ingrid Mundahl (ORA) 2:00.95 10 Satan Iago (NIU) 2:01.38 Heat 5 1 Hikari Kimomamoto (SDS) 1:57.25 - Q 2 Ruby Redbridge (SDS) 1:57.39 - Q 3 Dylan Haize-Ashknight (SDS) 1:57.54 - Q 4 Keppoeni Ianjid (FHA) 2:00.24 5 Hunter Deschamps (DAL) 2:00.88 6 Triska Wollny (TLN) 2:02.62 7 Nadh Hainier (FHA) 2:03.01 8 Danje Bourelly (NIU) 2:03.39 9 David Donnet (ORA) 2:03.84 10 Maverick Traves (UAD) 2:04.39 Semifinal 1 Michael Phillip (LXA) 1:56.64 - Q 2 Josuke Honcharuk (HEJ) 1:56.66 - Q 3 Nilton Aaron (GIO) 1:56.75 - Q 4 Patrice Owens (SDS) 1:56.82 - Q 5 Ola Sudeide (BLB) 1:56.96 - Q 6 Adrien Line (BLB) 1:57.29 - Q 7 Ruby Redbridge (SDS) 1:57.40 - Q 8 Dylan Haize-Ashknight (SDS) 1:57.46 - Q 9 Farlina Arruda (GIO) 1:57.47 10 Hikari Kimomamoto (SDS) 1:57.86 11 Jordana Montagne-Sousa (GIO) 1:57.89 12 Vera Sant'ana-Borban (GIO) 1:57.93 13 Osebertus Haward (NIU) 1:58.03 14 Estel Betrys Oriol (NIU) 1:58.07 15 Jesper Herre (ORA) 1:58.31 16 Doppio Kostov (HEJ) 1:59.01 Final 1 Michael Phillip (LXA) 1:54.76 - Gold - Tied Esferic record! 2 Nilton Aaron (GIO) 1:54.83 - Silver 3 Ruby Redbridge (SDS) 1:54.86 - Bronze 4 Adrien Line (BLB) 1:54.95 5 Dylan Haize-Ashknight (SDS) 1:55.31 6 Patrice Owens (SDS) 1:55.66 7 Josuke Honcharuk (HEJ) 1:55.81 8 Ola Sudeide (BLB) 1:56.26 Archery Individual Ranking Round 1 Patrick Manev (HEJ) 656 21 7 - Q 2 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 655 21 10 - Q 3 Jana Yasnaina (BLB) 651 20 8 - Q 4 Kasper Petrovikan (BLB) 650 18 3 - Q 5 Phoenix Rait (HEJ) 646 14 4 - Q 6 Judith Vraynlir Quadros (GIO) 639 11 3 - Q 7 Paul Emberfell (SMK) 638 15 8 - Q 8 Reece Hall (NIU) 638 10 5 - Q 9 Milton Lopes-Caydrian (GIO) 637 13 4 - Q 10 Shakira Hanifa (ARF) 635 21 6 - Q 11 Ahmad Shabery Cheek (ARF) 635 16 8 - Q 12 Kenyon Giles (UAD) 634 14 2 - Q 13 Patrick Folkard (TCM) 633 12 6 - Q 14 Anne Burgess (TCM) 633 12 3 - Q 15 Hindro Lingbuw (TUP) 633 6 1 - Q 16 Larry Culfin (TUP) 630 11 1 - Q 17 Alex Garcia (LXA) 628 8 3 18 Lina Kvamme (FJA) 627 9 1 19 Shaelyn Blakeley (UAD) 625 9 3 20 Miriam Ulunboryn (GIO) 624 11 3 21 Marco Diaz (LXA) 623 13 6 22 Linnea Myllar (FJA) 623 8 5 23 Kang Sae-Byeok (LXA) 622 10 5 24 Silvia Kathlyn (DIL) 622 8 1 25 Moliones Achard (NIU) 622 6 2 26 Naomi Huston (TCM) 621 10 7 27 Raden Arjoena (NAG) 619 6 3 28 Phil Glasdon (TUP) 618 10 1 29 Sonia Volny (TLN) 618 7 0 30 Isidore Irwin (DAL) 611 5 2 31 Raden Rama (NAG) 610 7 0 32 Saipuddin Ali (ARF) 610 6 2 33 Ailpein Mihaildov (DAL) 607 8 3 34 Raden Sanjaya (NAG) 607 5 0 35 Obren Scekic (TLN) 606 7 2 36 Emanuel Sundain (DAL) 603 1 0 Final 1 Paul Emberfell (SMK) 652 21 8 - Gold 2 Kasper Petrovikan (BLB) 652 19 4 - Silver 3 Jana Yasnaina (BLB) 648 21 9 - Bronze 4 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 644 12 5 5 Milton Lopes-Caydrian (GIO) 641 14 4 6 Phoenix Rait (HEJ) 641 11 4 7 Patrick Manev (HEJ) 640 17 7 8 Reece Hall (NIU) 639 10 4 9 Ahmad Shabery Cheek (ARF) 637 13 5 10 Kenyon Giles (UAD) 630 12 2 11 Shakira Hanifa (ARF) 630 10 5 12 Anne Burgess (TCM) 629 13 5 13 Patrick Folkard (TCM) 629 10 3 14 Judith Vraynlir Quadros (GIO) 625 10 2 15 Larry Culfin (TUP) 625 5 1 16 Hindro Lingbuw (TUP) 622 10 3 Equestrian Individual Dressage Grand Prix Group A 1 Angela Deye (SMK) 81.850 - Q 2 Tamara Davies (TCM) 81.050 - Q 3 Rantaro Antonenko (HEJ) 79.400 - Q 4 Lorainne Loyola (UAD) 74.500 - Q 5 Frederico von Violetshire (GIO) 73.400 6 David Fried (DAL) 73.300 7 Aura Hatyanunik-Elyse (GIO) 72.350 8 Michael Ramsey (LXA) 72.100 9 Olve Muggia (DAL) 71.250 10 Eira Eknes (FJA) 71.200 Group B 1 Kelton Whitee (NIU) 81.050 - Q 2 Owain Hughes (TCM) 77.550 - Q 3 Harper Cockburns (NIU) 77.400 - Q 4 Natsuko Ishikawa (BLB) 75.900 - Q 5 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 75.100 - Q 6 Klug Nankov (HEJ) 72.650 7 Bertine Graff (FJA) 72.350 8 Laura Anderson (LXA) 72.100 9 Dream Cooper (UAD) 71.450 Grand Prix Freestyle 1 Rantaro Antonenko (HEJ) 82.700 - Gold - New Esferic record! 2 Angela Deye (SMK) 78.500 - Silver 3 Harper Cockburns (NIU) 75.800 - Bronze 4 Owain Hughes (TCM) 75.450 5 Tamara Davies (TCM) 75.300 6 Natsuko Ishikawa (BLB) 75.050 7 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 74.200 8 Kelton Whitee (NIU) 74.050 9 Lorainne Loyola (UAD) 72.500 One-Person Dinghy Sailing Qualifying 1 Kazuo Miya (BLB) 1 - Q 2 Diavolo Kucherenko (HEJ) 2 - Q 3 Arthur Windswept (SMK) 3 - Q 4 Chauncey Alonzo (UAD) 4 - Q 5 Zora Shuksin (TLN) 5 - Q 6 Joilstuim Mourtnad (FHA) 6 - Q 7 Alan Dempsey (TCM) 7 - Q 8 Nabil Ahmad (ARF) 8 - Q 9 Kolstae Murei (FHA) 9 - Q 10 Franziska van Kirilova (HEJ) 10 - Q 11 Terje Klokk (FJA) 11 12 Emeline Storm (SMK) 12 13 Sophie Milles (TCM) 13 14 Leofsige Trumane (NIU) 14 15 Kai Haagen (ORA) 15 16 Oalsna Hoeppeln (FHA) 16 17 Eira Ofstad (FJA) 17 18 Waldhar Bevan (NIU) 18 19 Torjus Lillebø (FJA) 19 20 Angelina Arnold (UAD) 20 21 Nasi Kwo (BLB) 21 22 Jonathan Stuart (ORA) 22 23 Julia D'Amboise (ORA) 23 24 Gilen de Mey (NIU) 24 25 Miyu Okon (BLB) 25 26 Heim Vasser (SMK) 26 27 Miladin Bulganin (TLN) 27 28 Nick Grube (TCM) 28 Final 1 Alan Dempsey (TCM) 1 - Gold 2 Zora Shuksin (TLN) 2 - Silver 3 Arthur Windswept (SMK) 3 - Bronze 4 Diavolo Kucherenko (HEJ) 4 5 Chauncey Alonzo (UAD) 5 6 Kazuo Miya (BLB) 6 7 Franziska van Kirilova (HEJ) 7 8 Kolstae Murei (FHA) 8 9 Nabil Ahmad (ARF) 9 10 Joilstuim Mourtnad (FHA) 10 10 m Air Pistol Qualifying 1 Kahina Yamasaki (BLB) 97 97 97 98 389 - Q 2 Oluchi Itou (BLB) 99 96 97 97 389 - Q 3 Meklit Guntur (BLB) 96 98 98 94 386 - Q 4 Malcolm Little (TCM) 93 97 98 97 385 - Q 5 Ringo Romanyuk (HEJ) 94 97 97 95 383 - Q 6 Yukari Yaremenko (HEJ) 94 94 98 96 382 - Q 7 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 95 93 94 96 378 - Q 8 Shelagh Arrington (UAD) 95 94 94 95 378 - Q 9 Najma Holte (FJA) 95 94 95 94 378 - Q 10 Nine Leifsson (DAL) 93 95 95 94 377 - Q 11 Riley Brooks (LXA) 96 95 92 94 377 12 Lina Bruce (TCM) 97 94 92 94 377 13 Lela Irving (UAD) 93 95 93 95 376 14 Engel Walkenhorst (DAL) 93 96 93 94 376 15 Julian Perez (LXA) 94 95 93 94 376 16 Wallie Hertje (NIU) 95 93 94 93 375 17 Maybelle Stark (UAD) 94 93 93 94 374 18 Susan Riffen (SMK) 94 94 93 93 374 19 Peta Stenberg (DAL) 95 94 94 90 373 20 Jone Bakken (FJA) 91 95 93 93 372 21 William Rahlfort (SMK) 94 93 93 92 372 Final 1 Oluchi Itou (BLB) 389 102.0 491.0 - Gold - New Esferic record! 2 Kahina Yamasaki (BLB) 389 101.9 490.9 - Silver - Broke previous record 3 Meklit Guntur (BLB) 386 98.8 484.8 - Bronze 4 Ringo Romanyuk (HEJ) 383 101.4 484.4 5 Malcolm Little (TCM) 385 97.3 482.3 6 Yukari Yaremenko (HEJ) 382 98.4 480.4 7 Marcarius Halohin (SMK) 378 97.4 475.4 Najma Holte (FJA) 378 97.4 475.4 9 Shelagh Arrington (UAD) 378 97.0 475.0 10 Nine Leifsson (DAL) 377 97.8 474.8 Taekwondo Stage 1 Ro16 Lucy Eveline (SMK) 1–8 Elisabet Bernat (NIU) Karabo Botha (BLB) 1–0 Jerry Miko (TUP) Matavia Hayes (TCM) 4–0 Aksel Indrebø (FJA) Vekar Grikis (HEJ) 4–1 Sharyn Adamson (UAD) Lisbeth Marin (DAL) 0–2 Gustav Wellington (SMK) Naho Sotirova (HEJ) 4–1 Barbara Urbolina de Albuquerque (GIO) Takondwa Cardoso (BLB) 3–1 Tinlar Ranbo (TUP) Hrolf Vidal (NIU) 0–1 Amandita Gautchyn-Fernandes (GIO) Quarterfinal Karabo Botha (BLB) 4–1 Elisabet Bernat (NIU) Vekar Grikis (HEJ) 3–2 Matavia Hayes (TCM) Naho Sotirova (HEJ) +1–1 Gustav Wellington (SMK) Takondwa Cardoso (BLB) 3–2 Amandita Gautchyn-Fernandes (GIO) Losers at QF go into the repechage bracket, the winners of which will compete with the losers of the Semifinal for the Bronze medal. 2 Bronze medals will be awarded. Water Polo MD1 Group A Dalimbar (DAL) 9–9 United Adaikes (UAD) Fujai (FJA) 11–10 Orandia (ORA) Hertfordshire & Jammbo (HEJ) 8–13 Nieubasria (NIU) Group A Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Nieubasria 1 1 0 0 13 8 +5 3 2 Fujai 1 1 0 0 11 10 +1 3 3 Dalimbar 1 0 1 0 9 9 0 1 United Adaikes 1 0 1 0 9 9 0 1 5 Orandia 1 0 0 1 10 11 −1 0 6 Hertfordshire & Jammbo 1 0 0 1 8 13 −5 0 Group B Santos-Dominius (SDS) 5–9 Giovanniland (GIO) Larxia (LXA) 6–8 Cambria (TCM) Fhaengshia (FHA) 7–11 Dilber (DIL) Group B Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts 1 Dilber 1 1 0 0 11 7 +4 3 2 Giovanniland 1 1 0 0 9 5 +4 3 3 Cambria 1 1 0 0 8 6 +2 3 4 Larxia 1 0 0 1 6 8 −2 0 5 Fhaengshia 1 0 0 1 7 11 −4 0 6 Santos-Dominius 1 0 0 1 5 9 −4 0 Baseball MD1 Group A Nieubasria (NIU) 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 Dilber (DIL) 0 2 0 0 1 1 3 0 X 7 Tupmonia (TUP) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Dalimbar (DAL) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 X 2 Cambria (TCM) 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 6 Giovanniland (GIO) 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 Group A Pld W L RF RA RD Pts 1 Dilber 1 1 0 7 5 +2 3 2 Cambria 1 1 0 6 5 +1 3 3 Dalimbar 1 1 0 2 1 +1 3 4 Giovanniland 1 0 1 5 6 −1 0 5 Tupmonia 1 0 1 1 2 −1 0 6 Nieubasria 1 0 1 5 7 −2 0 Group B Fuentana (FNT) 3 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 10 Blue Bubble (BLB) 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 6 Fujai (FJA) 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 Hertfordshire & Jammbo (HEJ) 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Larxia (LXA) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 5 United Adaikes (UAD) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 Group B Pld W L RF RA RD Pts 1 Fuentana 1 1 0 10 6 +4 3 2 Fujai 1 1 0 5 2 +3 3 Larxia 1 1 0 5 2 +3 3 4 Hertfordshire & Jammbo 1 0 1 2 5 −3 0 United Adaikes 1 0 1 2 5 −3 0 6 Blue Bubble 1 0 1 6 10 −4 0 Basketball MD1 Group A Larxia (LXA) 75–51 Fujai (FJA) Dilber (DIL) 89–65 Orandia (ORA) Dalimbar (DAL) 77–75 Giovanniland (GIO) Group A Pld W L PF PA PD Pts 1 Dilber 1 1 0 89 65 +24 3 2 Larxia 1 1 0 75 51 +24 3 3 Dalimbar 1 1 0 77 75 +2 3 4 Giovanniland 1 0 1 75 77 −2 0 5 Orandia 1 0 1 65 89 −24 0 6 Fujai 1 0 1 51 75 −24 0 Group B Arifiyyah (ARF) 76–77 Nieubasria (NIU) Fhaengshia (FHA) 80–70 United Adaikes (UAD) Tupmonia (TUP) 67–74 Fuentana (FNT) Group B Pld W L PF PA PD Pts 1 Fhaengshia 1 1 0 80 70 +10 3 2 Fuentana 1 1 0 74 67 +7 3 3 Nieubasria 1 1 0 77 76 +1 3 4 Arifiyyah 1 0 1 76 77 −1 0 5 Tupmonia 1 0 1 67 74 −7 0 6 United Adaikes 1 0 1 70 80 −10 0 Beach Volleyball MD1 Group A Davide Garcia/Max Velasco (LXA) 19 19 Dusana Burian/Tanya Janovcik (TLN) 21 21 Nieubasria (NIU) 21 21 Evelyn Asplund/Jane Offerdahl (ORA) 13 16 Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Dusana Burian/Tanya Janovcik 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3 Nieubasria 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3 3 Davide Garcia/Max Velasco 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0 Evelyn Asplund/Jane Offerdahl 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0 Group B Tor Uthus/Ådne Dyrnes (FJA) 21 18 15 Christmas Hanley/Haven Cannon (UAD) 18 21 6 Frisk Dachev/Robert Spïdwagen (HEJ) 21 21 Alexandre Elysthin-Zhao/Elisabeth Sanchez (GIO) 15 17 Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Frisk Dachev/Robert Spïdwagen 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3 2 Tor Uthus/Ådne Dyrnes 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3 3 Christmas Hanley/Haven Cannon 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0 4 Alexandre Elysthin-Zhao/Elisabeth Sanchez 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0
Medal finals today: 6 Medals awarded today: 18 Medals awarded to date: 18 Records broken/tied: 3 Sorted by Gold Trigram Gold Silver Bronze Total BLB 1 2 2 5 SMK 1 1 1 3 LXA 1 1 2 NIU 1 1 2 SDS 1 1 2 HEJ 1 1 TCM 1 1 GIO 1 1 TLN 1 1 ARF 0 DAL 0 DIL 0 FHA 0 FJA 0 FNT 0 NAG 0 ORA 0 TUP 0 UAD 0 Sorted by Total Trigram Gold Silver Bronze Total BLB 1 2 2 5 SMK 1 1 1 3 LXA 1 1 2 NIU 1 1 2 SDS 1 1 2 HEJ 1 1 TCM 1 1 GIO 1 1 TLN 1 1 ARF 0 DAL 0 DIL 0 FHA 0 FJA 0 FNT 0 NAG 0 ORA 0 TUP 0 UAD 0  

Giovannilandian Esferiad Report
Good morning Giovannilandians! I am Karlo Nakamura-Edrense, the main host of the Giovannilandian Sports Report and of its Giovannilandian Esferiad Report that aims to keep Giovannilandians informed of the latest happenings of the Esferiad. We have reserved several channels to display games live in both Quorivo and Kharventhin when they happen, the channels 201 to 210, while our main channel 020 will sometimes display key matches involving Giovanniland while also continuing normal sports coverage from events around the world.
I am glad to say our news report has once again been chosen by the Ministry of Sports to be the main media group reporting the events! Therefore, we are also using the logo of the Giovannilandian Esferiad Committee displayed above.
In this report, I will talk about the Opening Ceremony, which was broadcasted by this same channel 12 hours ago, with special live coverage from our news reporter Urbano Sallotio. She is the head reporter of our press corps at Quorivo, while Madalena Vindemia heads the press corps covering the Kharventhin events. A brief retrospective of this ceremony will be said now, especially for those who couldn't view it live—those can also later check the recording made by our Quorivo crew at our official website.
The opening ceremony was really nice to see, with the initial part telling about the story of Lavender Island and how the close relationship between Giovanniland and Blue Bubble was created. The anthems of those two nations were then played, and after that a beautiful section about nature and culture of Giovanniland was presented, including musical pieces such as Opera Arboria by Agrippina Quintilio and poems such as Lavender Island by Gyalba Tuditano-Poska.
Then all sports were represented by pictograms in a technological display, and the long-awaited Parade of Nations started, with the Giovannilandian delegation arriving at the end of the queue. Important speeches were given by Gabriello Hiberno-Elisano (President of the Quorivo & Kharventhin Organising Committee of the Esferic Games) and Chi Ijendu (Chair of the International Esferiad Commission), and then our monarch King Giovanni VI officially opened the games together with Kassakira Petrovikan from Blue Bubble.
The display of the Esferic hymn and flag soon followed together with the Esferic oaths on behalf of athletes, judges and coaches, with the first one notably taken by our athlete Katia Terra, gold medalist in the 1st Summer Esferiad. Last but not least, the very anticipated part of the cauldron lighting happened. It was designed in the form of a bouquet of lavenders with the fire in the middle, and was lit by none other than Vanessa Desniana, athlete and former reporter of this very sports program. Vanessa has now entered a well deserved retirement from journalism and continues to influence Giovannilandian sports as athlete, and I've had the pleasure to work with her ever since entering sports journalism, so she was naturally a great choice for this important moment of the Esferiad. 
Anyways, that's all that happened in the Opening Ceremony. Moving on, we have analyzed the upcoming schedule for the events of the 1st day and prepared a nice list of events featuring Giovannilandian athletes so that viewers from all around the country can watch them shine. Some of the events will start in a few hours, therefore, stay tuned! The following are the events happening in Kharventhin, channels 206 to 210:
Artistic Swimming (team event);
Matchday 1 of Beach Volleyball featuring the pair of Alessander Elessiano-Savora and Elisabetta Santi;
200 m Freestyle Swim featuring Farlina Arruntio-Kommodo, Vera Santanna-Borba, Milite Laroni, and Giordana Montana-Sousa;
Stage 1 of Taekwondo featuring Barbara Urbolina Alboquerko and Amandita Gaudino-Ferenna;
Matchday 1 of Water Polo (team event);
Additionally, the Sailing One-Person Dinghy and 10 m Air Pistol events will also be happening, although the Giovannilandian Esferiad Committee has chosen to not send athletes to these events. Meanwhile, the events happening in Quorivo, broadcasted on channels 201 to 205, will be:
Archery Individuals featuring Miria Ulpia-Numerio, Milite Lupo-Kadrino, and Giuditte Verania Quadri;
Matchday 1 of Baseball (team event);
Equestrian Dressage Individuals featuring Aura Attinio-Elisano and Federigo Violetone;
That is the schedule for this very exciting first day of Esferic events! We're finishing the Esferiad Report for today, but viewers will of course have many things to watch, and for those not able to follow the events—worry not, as our report will present a retrospective of the first day tomorrow morning for all our viewers. See you then!

Kassakira takes off that blasted cape. Not her style at all. She picks up her phone, falling onto her bed. It was a private room, given, so she can stay the night before travelling home. 

She smiles, yawning. It was going to be a peaceful night.

James: Welcome to the Glenpavia Sports Network: Summer Esferiad Edition!
Jak: I am really starting to wonder why there is just a channel for GSN normal edition now
James: We come to you live to report our sports over the next two weeks
Jak: and let's get started! We have a bumper first day for Blue Bubble, honestly - with participation in all events
James: Ah yes, firstly the Artistic Swimming. A good average team from Blue Bubble there. I'd expect about middle table there from the team.
Jak:  Then the 200 m Freestyle Swim, again average, with Adrien Line leading the group comfortable.
James: Oh, the Archery- this is important. Kasper Petrovikan is heading the way there. I really hope he gets a bronze, if not for him, then for his sister.
Jak: speaking of which, those siblings did great this opening ceremony, very strong looking to represent us.
James: I know, I'd expect Kassakira to be there in person to watch him perform, like officially this time.
Jak:  She does attend all his national competitions though. We love the support they give each other, honestly.
James: Moving onto the Equestrian Dressage Individuals, we have Ishikawa going for a good score.
Jak: I really think these games will allow our athletes to understand where they are within the world rankings, this isn't make or break for Blue Bubble, but to break through and make history for our nation.
James: I agree, but no matter what they do, their best will still place them in the history books for a while, Jak.
Jak: Looking at the Sailing One-person Dinghy, We have a full team! All very strong, and ready to play. I suppose it is in our blood after all.
James: The Shooting also looks promising, with Meklit Guntur leading the way. He is a wonderful guy, honestly, very down to earth.
Jak: Plus he is in his hometown there, with his home shooting range. He will be strong I think.
James: The Taekwondo Stage 1's will also start - With two above average players, I hope we will be somewhat high in the rankings there
Jak: We have a rather medium team for the Water Polo and Beach Volleyball too - These games will be pretty comfortable middle standings for us.
James: For a country who wasn't in the games last year, I think we can take that.
Jak: I am worried about our Baseball team, though. They aren't predicted to be as strong players compared to these other sports.
James: I think the experience will be a learning experience for them, even if they do bad.
Jak: Hmm, valid point. Now, here are the opening ceremony highlights!

Saint Markan Athletes ~ A Focus On Surfing

From Left: Dale Waverley, Samantha Waverley, Oliver Crest
 
While swimming and sailing are ancient Markan sports, surfing is relatively new. It began a mere ten years ago on the beaches of The Wild Cry as an import from The Lavender Island. Two of the Waverley triplets, Dale and Samantha, have gained local prominence, tieing for gold in the Saint Mark Sea Seasonal, and will be demonstrating their skills on the world stage for the first time at these games. The third member of the Markan surfing team is Oliver Crest, the third son of the Count of Willisby and the winner of the bronze medal in the Saint Mark Sea Seasonal.
We wish them luck as they endeavour to bring Saint Mark surfing back to the Lavender Island!

"Hello, everyone! From Kharventin, Blue Bubble, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the II Summer Esferiad! Our coverage of the II Summer Esferiad is brought to you by our generous sponsor, Digital Arses! It's the multi-million-dollar video game company that wants you to know that you have to pay for the DA Corporate Essential Information Access Pass DLC if you want to know more about it! I, the sufferable egomaniac that is Approctoflecticus Blubberman, will be your manageably irritating host for the entire duration of the II Summer Esferiad!"
"And we have just been told that the Opening Ceremony has ended without a hitch over in Quoriv, Giovanniland! Viewers at home, please do not panic, for we have a separate, second crew in Quoriv that has filmed the entire ceremony. It will be broadcast later today here on SDCSN Channel 3, so stay tuned for that! Anyways, my patronisingly Santosian colleague Melanie Coincé was with the Quoriv crew and attended the opening ceremony, so unfortunately I am legally required by my contract with SDCSN to hand over the time to her for a unbearable recap and thought-sharing segment."
"Yes, zank you Blubbaman. Bonjour, Santosie-Dominignoises watching this on your TV sets back home! I am Melanie Coincé, and I vill be covering all ze Esferiad events happening here in Quoriv. I must say, ze opening ceremony is très fantastique! Zhere is ample displays of Giovannilandian and Glenpavian culture and history. The music and poems were very amazing, non? I'm sure zat any person will reply 'oui!' to zat question. I particularly applaud ze depiction of Giovannilandian-Glenpavian reconciliation - c'est bien! Anyways, zhose are my thoughts on ze Opening Ceremony of ze II Summer Esferiad. I vill now hand back ze time to Blubbaman."
"Oh dear heavens, that took ages. Now that we are done listening to that weird mix of broken Common and patronising Santosian, let me go over some of the events in Kharventin that Santo-Dominian athletes will be participating in! As mentioned previously, Kharventin will be the site of many aquatic sports. These include artistic swimming, diving, team water polo, rowing, surfing, sailing, and slalom and sprint canoeing. Fighting sports, like boxing, fencing, karate, judo, shooting, wrestling and taekwondo will also be held here. Aside aquatics, near-water sports like beach volleyball and indoor volleyball will also be held here in Kharventin! And finally, the Esferiad triathlon will also be held here. And that's everything that'll happen in Kharventin!"
"I am also excited to announce that we have secured an exclusive interview with Mr Damian Delarue-Brouillard, chairman of the Santo-Dominian National Esferiad Committee(SDNEC)! Join us tomorrow as we talk to him about our country's athletes, the history of the Esferiad and how good we will fare as a whole. We've even host a live questioning round where viewers like you at home can submit questions via an electronic channel - some of those question will be selected and we will ask Mr Delarue-Brouillard for answers on live television! Anyways, that's all we have to report for now. This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the II Summer Esferiad! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and the long-awaited II Summer Esferiad has finally opened! Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of its events,  and see you whenever stuff happens!"

I, on behalf of the Basric Astorian Esferic Committee and its Executive Quorum, have the pleasure
to preview the Opening Ceremony Uniforms of the Basric Astorian Delegation. A deep collaboration
with the fashion house Bárðr Saint Aiaden has produced a uniform with historic distinction. 
Each esferian athlete regardless of gender has been tailored a corduroy suit with leather accents,
to be worn with leather university-style dress loafers. Styled with a coordinating cotton shirt and tie. All of the fibers of the Uniform are natural, vegan, and sustainably sourced in Nieubasria as part of the
Six Design Pillars of our partner, Bárðr Saint Aiaden. 

With great satisfaction, 

-Walther Randulf, Ba.Esq
 

 
 
 

End of democracy in The Theeserrasland
In a recent, shocking development, the now President and leader of The Theeserrasland has passed a controversial act of which removes the Theeserraslandian right to vote for public officials. This has riled up massive protest across the nation as millions wanted to bring back their right to vote.
The leader has came out telling the public that, "I only did it so that the Theeserrasland could prosper for a longer time, too much have we had incompetence voted into our leadership, bringing corruption and creating uselessness in the political landscape. Which is why, the government of the Theeserrasland has decided to pick the most suitable candidates to prosper in our ranks," whether this would make the Theeserrasland into an unstable nation, held up only by corruption and kickbacks or will create a competitive environment, where only the most loyal and competent can hope to serve the nation is unknown.
Weather today!
It has been reported that there would be heavy rain near the coastal regions of The Theeserrasland, floods are to be expected
Sunny weather is to be expected in the South.
Cloudy weather in the Northeast, rain to be expected.
The Theeserrasland economy growing!
With the growing population of The Theeserrasland, the investment of foreign countries, and the government restructuring, The Theeserrasland economy is slowly, but surely, rising. With The Theeserrasland citizens having better wages, more meaningful jobs, and much more, The Theeserrasland as a whole is expected to go into a new golden age for it and it's citizens.

Hail Cambria!
150 entries, 50.0 average, 22.8 stdev

At a function room of the hotel the United Adaikes Esferiad delegation was staying
Two days before the Opening Ceremony
Quoriv, Giovanniland
The United Adaikes Esferiad Committee organized a press conference for international and local (Adaikesian, Giovanillandian, and Bubblean)
A reporter asked, “Miguel, you were appointed to be the flag-bearer of your country for the Parade of Nations. Your thoughts?”
Miguel Gonzales, the team captain of the Rugby Sevens team for this Esferiad, replied, “A great honor. I was stunned when Mr. Barr, the United Adaikes Sports Commission Chief, called me a week ago regarding this. Back then, I didn’t know what to say. I was groping for words. I hope Mr. Barr didn’t think I was ungrateful. But when I dared to talk, I could only say ‘Thank you.’ But it is truly an honor.”
Another reporter asked Rep. Ryland Otis, one of the congressmen from Thraproy, the appointed chef-de-mission by President Salazar for the II Summer Esferiad, “How were the preparations for the Esferiad, Sir?”
“This is the first Esferiad that the United Adaikes is participating. Some players and events might not be household names, but we assure you that everyone is prepared to be playing in the Esferiad. Our football and rugby teams have shown that we can be powerhouses, and we hope that the players we have rounded up for this Esferiad will show the Adaikesian spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.”
The Adaikesian delegation participants of the press conference were wearing for the first time the jackets that they will be wearing in the Opening Ceremony in Quoriv and any official engagements related to the Esferiad in Giovanniland and Blue Bubble.

ARIFIYYAH'S TIMES
24 OCTOBER 1421
Greetings to all! I am Ahmed Al-Babu broadcast live from the athlete’s village, Kharventin, Blue Bubble. We will be broadcast live on a daily basis, featuring sporting events attended by Arifiyyah athletes. Today, we would also like to share with you what flags we will be using at this Games the formal attire of the athletes at the 1421 summer Esferiad opening ceremony.
For the flag that will be used, we will definitely use the Arifiyyah national flag, Kuning Megah (The Great Yellow).
And for clothing, our athletes will wear yellow blazers, green and black stripes, where yellow is the national color of Arifiyyah.
 
The Minister of Sports and Youth was also with the athletes at the Games. We wish good luck to the Arifiyyah athletes, fight with all your heart. And also good luck to the other countries that also joined this year's esferiad.
 
reported by:Ahmad Al-Babu

The Cambric delegation definitely made a statement at the opening ceremonies with all athletes coming out in matching tailored Christian Sazón suits.

[Not so much reserved as didn't realize it's time to get the grandkids so more to come tonight when I'm back home.]

II Summer Esferiad Opening Ceremony
Grande Stadio Sferiko, Quorivo—8:00 PM International Atomic Time, 24th October 1421
Near the margins of the Purpuro River of Quorivo lies the Grande Stadio Sferiko, one of the few venues built for the Esferiad. It was designed to host not only the field and track athletic events, but also the Opening Ceremony, creating much anticipation from Giovannilandians and visitors alike. The ceremony was about to start, with representatives of the 17 nations, musicians, actors and actresses, singers, and many others ready for it to begin. 
The countdown finally ticked down to zero, and everyone at the stadium went silent. Finally, the darkness was broken by a few lights pointing at the center of the stadium. The ceremony had started.
Then appeared the first few actors, staging the creation of the world and birth of life. Dressed as indigenous Lavandulans, they represented the first few inhabitants of the Lavandulan city-states, and soon the wars that ensued between armies of each city-state until the rise of the Lavandulan Empire. More actors dressed as warriors arrived as the public heard ancient war songs from that era. Soon, the scene shifted to the fall of Lavandula, the multiple states of the Medieval Age, the arrival of the Abrentans from the Saint Markan lands (all represented by people wearing different costumes), and then the unification of the island under the Giovannian Empire. 
Following the scenes of overseas Giovannian conquests, life in the Empire, and finally the wars that brought its downfall, the highlight was the birth of two modern nations—Giovanniland and Blue Bubble—the two hosts of this Esferiad. Initially hostile to each other due to the former’s occupation of the latter, the nations then started to heal the relations, with the actors demonstrating the growth of the two nations and the events they had to deal with, such as the Industrial Revolution. This part of the ceremony ends as the contemporary age and the strengthened friendship between the two nations is represented.
Once the history part of the ceremony ended, the anthems of the two countries were each sung by a chorus of people from each nation, with the two flags also raised by athletes of each team. The next part then focused on nature and culture.
Hundreds of actors dressed in different colors changed their positions every now and then to represent the different biomes of Giovanniland. Animal species such as the jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, sloths, armadillos, hyacinth macaws, flamingoes, anacondas, piranhas, and pink dolphins were all highlighted. Meanwhile, different types of plants, such as lavender, violet, pines, rainforest trees, coastal vegetation, shrubs and many more, each representing a different region of the country, were also represented. 
Then it was the part for the cultural practices to shine. Different types of music, from classical to modern, were played or sung by renowned musicians, for example the classical Opera Arboria by the Imperial era composer Agrippina Quintilio. A representation of the Violet Carnival soon happened together with modern tunes authored and played by the composer Floriano Tiberi. Finally, the poem Lavender Island by Giovannilandian poet Gyalba Tuditano-Poska, which talks about the multiple peoples of the island, was recited by students of Quorivo High School.
The focus of the ceremony then went back to the Esferiad itself as pictograms representing each sport included in the schedule were performed. And soon after, the long-awaited Parade of Nations started. Each team’s name was announced in Common, Giovannilandian and Glendulan by King Giovanni VI, although the order of appearance was sorted by their Giovannilandian name, with the two hosts arriving at the end of the queue.  
Adaiki Uniti (United Adaikes)
Arifia (Arifiyyah)
Dalimbar
Dilber
Fensia (Fhaengshia)
Fontana (Fuentana)
Fuya (Fujai)
Herfordia ed Yambo (Hertfordshire and Jammbo)
Kambria (Cambria)
Larsia (Larxia)
Nagaria (Nagaraningrad)
Nova Basria (Nieubasria)
Orandia
Santo ed Dominio (Santos-Dominius)
Santo Marko (Saint Mark)
Teralia (Teralyon)
Tupania (Tupmonia)
Glenpavia (Blue Bubble)
Giovanniterra (Giovanniland)
Following the parade of nations, Gabriello Hiberno-Elisano and Chi Ijendu, President of the Quorivo & Kharventhin Organising Committee of the Esferic Games and Chair of the International Esferiad Commission respectively, each gave their own speech about the Esferiad. They highlighted the collaboration of Giovanniland and Blue Bubble as a good example of international friendship, wished all athletes a good competition, and emphasized the motto of this Esferiad: “Friendship. Individuality. Trust.” 
It was then the time for one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony: the heads of state of Blue Bubble and Giovanniland, Kassakira Petrovikan and King Giovanni VI respectively, to officially open the games. They each declared the Games of the II Summer Esferiad open in their own native languages (Glendulan and Giovannese respectively). A burst of fireworks forming the four Esferic Rings in the sky then followed. 
After that, a hundred actors went into planned positions so as to form the four Esferic Rings within the stadium, while the Esferic Hymn and Flag were sung and raised respectively at the same time. The Esferic oath on behalf of the athletes was then recited by Giovannilandian athlete Katia Terra, gold medalist in the 1500 meters event of the I Summer Esferiad of Saint-Josalyn, while the corresponding oaths on behalf of the judges and coaches were taken by Flavia Kopelli Gillo and Amoriano Minidio respectively.
Last but not least, the last part of the opening ceremony then happened: the end of the torch relay and lighting of the Esferic cauldron. The torch had travelled through all four continents and a quick retrospective of its journey was then shown before it arrived into the stadium. The cauldron was designed in the form of a bouquet of lavenders, with the fire in the middle, and was lit by Giovannilandian athlete and retired sports journalist Vanessa Desniana after entering the stadium. The people at the stadium then cheered, as the ceremony came to an end. Soon the athletes would go back to either the Quorivo or the Kharventhin Esferic Villages, and the visitors to their homes or hotels.

ARIFIYYAH'S TIMES
24 OCTOBER 1421
Greetings to all! I am Ahmed Al-Babu broadcast live from the athlete’s village, Kharventin, Blue Bubble. We will be broadcast live on a daily basis, featuring sporting events attended by Arifiyyah athletes. Today, we would also like to share with you what flags we will be using at this Games the formal attire of the athletes at the 1421 summer Esferiad opening ceremony.
For the flag that will be used, we will definitely use the Arifiyyah national flag, Kuning Megah (The Great Yellow).
And for clothing, our athletes will wear yellow blazers, green and black stripes, where yellow is the national color of Arifiyyah.
 
The Minister of Sports and Youth was also with the athletes at the Games. We wish good luck to the Arifiyyah athletes, fight with all your heart. And also good luck to the other countries that also joined this year's esferiad.
 
reported by:Ahmad Al-Babu

ARIFIYYAH'S TIMES
24 OCTOBER 1421
Greetings to all! I am Ahmed Al-Babu broadcast live from the athlete’s village, Kharventin, Blue Bubble. We will be broadcast live on a daily basis, featuring sporting events attended by Arifiyyah athletes. Today, we would also like to share with you what flags we will be using at this Games the formal attire of the athletes at the 1421 summer Esferiad opening ceremony.
For the flag that will be used, we will definitely use the Arifiyyah national flag, Kuning Megah (The Great Yellow).
And for clothing, our athletes will wear yellow blazers, green and black stripes, where yellow is the national color of Arifiyyah.
 
The Minister of Sports and Youth was also with the athletes at the Games. We wish good luck to the Arifiyyah athletes, fight with all your heart. And also good luck to the other countries that also joined this year's esferiad.
 
reported by:Ahmad Al-Babu

ARIFIYYAH'S TIMES
24 OCTOBER 1421
Greetings to all! I am Ahmed Al-Babu broadcast live from the athlete’s village, Kharventin, Blue Bubble. We will be broadcast live on a daily basis, featuring sporting events attended by Arifiyyah athletes. Today, we would also like to share with you what flags we will be using at this Games the formal attire of the athletes at the 1421 summer Esferiad opening ceremony.
For the flag that will be used, we will definitely use the Arifiyyah national flag, Kuning Megah (The Great Yellow).
And for clothing, our athletes will wear yellow blazers, green and black stripes, where yellow is the national color of Arifiyyah.
 
The Minister of Sports and Youth was also with the athletes at the Games. We wish good luck to the Arifiyyah athletes, fight with all your heart. And also good luck to the other countries that also joined this year's esferiad.
 
reported by:Ahmad Al-Babu

Kasper opens his phone, the ping was heard across the room as the Blue Bubble Team get ready to walk out. She was wearing the traditional Leader uniform - from when the Army was the most important thing to his country. It was her first real public appearance to the world, after all.
It was captioned: "Official Photo released, just in time for the opening ceremony. The sword won't be included tonight, though."
He smiles. She knew how to rock an outfit, even as humble as she is. He posts a comment, "Looking amazing. Good luck tonight!"
Shrugging on his Blazer, he hears another ping of his phone.
A DM. "Good Luck for the games, BTW. I am hoping I can catch the Archery to see you play." He starts to reply when a follow-up message appears. "And lose LOL!! Xxx"

Siblings, huh?

 
The Official Logo of the Blue Bubble Esferiad Committee and Team, along with their Blazer. This Blazer would be worn with Black shirt, bottoms, and shoes.
 
 

Ugh.
Lady Angela Deye was annoyed by the image that looked back from the deco mirror in her smart dressing room. She had long ago become comfortable with her thick, orange hair, and although she was a bit on the shorter side, she did have a nice figure. What drew her displeasure was the blazer ... red. 
Ugh. I look horrible in red, she muttered to herself. Why did the Markan colors have to be red, white and gold? It wouldn't be so bad if she had only had to wear it for the parade, but it was also part of the Markan equestrian team's official riding costume. Maybe she could convince His Highness to go with white as the main color next year and a more traditional black for the riding costume. Oh well. There's nothing to do about it right now. Red it is.
She smiled a bit, amused by her own vanity, tucked her hair under her black cap, and turned to leave her suite. She had just enough time to get some riding in at the Lavandula Equestrian Center.

City of Quoriv, Giovanniland
(Giovannese: Quorivo — Lavandulan: ཀླུང་ཆེན) 
Giovanniland is a kingdom located in Aura and Andolia, bordering Blue Bubble to the west of the Auran lands. Although relations with its western neighbor Blue Bubble were previously tense due to the Giovannian Empire's occupation for almost four centuries, ever since the 13th century they have improved, and now the two countries have been close allies. The northern region was chosen to host the games due to the proximity of its main cities to the Blue Bubble border, with the northwestern city of Quorivo taking on the host role. Some venues are located in the nearby cities of Uryde, Dazano, Medottone, and Kyene.
Quorivo is one of the nation's most ancient cities, being founded in around 2200 BF in the Lavandulan civilization and becoming one of the most important centers of Violetism. After the Lavandulan Empire's fall, it served as capital of the Duchy of Quorivo, bringing wealth and prosperity to the city. Even after the conquest by the Giovannian Empire, it remained important and was one of the first cities to industrialize during the Industrial Revolution. Today it's the second largest city in the Lavanda Prima region and ninth largest in Giovanniland overall, with 262,144 inhabitants. It contains well integrated, technological and sustainable services, for example a great transport network that includes the Airoporto Lavandula (Lavandula Airport).
Visiting Giovanniland
Arrival and Transport
Giovanniland has a strong and well connected network of railroads, highways, waterways, harbors, airports, and more. For visitors only seeking to watch the Esferiad, there is little to worry besides airports and highways. The Airoporto Lavandula is the main place of entry into the city, and although it was mostly used for domestic and regional flights before, it has been recently repurposed and expanded for visitors and teams from all around Esferos to arrive, with millions of Abrios spent on this project.
Visitors can also choose to arrive through the Airoporto Internationale Violeto (Violet International Airport) in Uryde, if they wish to focus on the games that will be played on that city and the adjacent ones of Medottone and Dazano. Once you are here, there are many options of places to stay in Quorivo and the other auxiliary host cities. Whether you're looking for a five-star hotel, a good place to sleep but also not that expensive, or even homestays for vacation rentals, an online search will reveal many choices for all kinds of tourists.
The Giovannilandian highway system is divided into the great national roads, and the regional and provincial roads supporting them. The most important highway for people watching the Esferiad is the Grande Autovia Boria (Great Northern Highway) which connects various cities in the regions of Lavanda Prima and Lavanda Sekunda. It connects the many cities of the north such as Quorivo, Uryde, Dazano, Medottone and Kyene, passing through other cities including Lampo and Kastellavando, and finally having Rivomonte as the southern terminus. Quorivo also features a highway to the west, passing through the Blue Bubble border, for easy transport between it and the other host city Kharventhin.

A map of Lavender Island's major cities, including the two host cities.
Tourism and Cuisine
Most people reading this will of course be looking to follow the various types of sports that will happen during the Esferiad. However, for those seeking to do more besides watching the athletes competing, there are several options for tourism in the northern region of Giovanniland. The city of Quorivo contains a beautiful historical center with a few buildings dating back to the era of the Lavandulan Empire, many Violetist churches and royal houses from the Duchy of Quorivo decorated with precious metals, and at the same time several modern buildings. The Lavandulan History Museum, pictured below, contains not only many artefacts made by the native Lavandulan peoples, but also others earned by trade with foreign powers such as Saint Mark.
The nearby city of Uryde is the 4th largest and one of the busiest cities of Giovanniland, with much to see there such as the historic district with buildings dating back to medieval times, and the great Violet Carnival and Lavender festival celebrations! Dazano is another important city with a millennia-long history, and today it's also home to several technological hubs that are certainly worth visiting. Another auxiliary host city is Medottone, known for the nearby national parks where one can see the Giovannilandian nature and wildlife of the tropical moist broadleaf forests. Last but not least there's the city of Kyene, whose most famous feature is the Great Tomb of the Violet Father (the founder of Violetism that lived from around 2048 to 1963 BF), one of the most holy sites for the national religion.
Staple foods of Giovanniland's cuisine include most notably pizza and pasta, and the Lavandulan cuisine has its own variations on them. Dishes with marine food are common in the tropical north coast, in which paella is a regional dish featuring seafood and the rice coming from the farms in the southern part of the region, whereas pasta with seafood is also a common dish. The national drink is violet tea, made from the leaves of the national flower, and in Quorivo local teahouses commonly use the leaves of violets from the city's Great Violet Park. The world-renowned restaurants that mix flavors from the Giovauran and Giovandolian cuisines are also worth visiting.
     
The Lavandulan History Museum of Quorivo, and the historic district of Uryde.
Host Venues
Venues not in the host city are marked with an asterisk 
Stadio Abreo-Florino* - Located in the nearby city of Uryde, this is one of the five football stadiums that will host the football games of the Esferiad. Named after the wealthy and influential Abreo-Florino family, which in the past has produced several Prime Ministers of Giovanniland and today has many athletes and businessmen in its ranks, it is the home of the Uryde Pedesfera team also sponsored by the family.
Kentro Ginastiko Velanio Umberti - One of the largest gymnastics centres in the country, this venue is named after one of the best Giovannilandian athletes in this sport from decades ago, Lukretio Velanio Umberti. In this Esferiad, it will host the gymnastics events of Individual All-Around, Team All-Around, Floor Exercise, Balance Beam, Uneven Bars, Parallel Bars, Rings, and Vault. 
Novo Kentro Volanisfere* - The recently-built badminton center of the city of Dazano and the Lavanda Prima region as a whole, the New Badminton Center will host both the singles and doubles modalities of the Esferiad. Badminton is not a very popular sport in the country, but when it does participate in international tournaments, Dazano is where most of the Giovannilandian athletes come from. The name refers to the fact that it has now replaced the older and smaller center, which is now a museum about the sport's history in Giovanniland. 
Monte Zodeno I - Due to the Monte Zodeno I’s status as the highest mountain of the coastal Gyusero Province, where Quorivo is located, and its closeness to the host city, this venue will host the Mountain Biking events. The mountain is named after the Lavandulan emperor Zodeno or Chöden the First, which ruled between 1026-1013 BF and started a new era of expansion for Lavandula, ushering in the peak of the empire.
Arena Benaventura - Located in the southern part of Quorivo, this arena will host Field Hockey events in the Esferiad. It was one of the few venues that had to be built for the games, since this sport is not played at the professional level in the country and few Giovannilandians are interested. It bears the name of the company who built it, currently led by businessman Erasmo Benaventura. 
Verderia Ludi Olibrio Vigellio - The selected venue for the BMX Cycling events, this park is one of the oldest verderie ludi (sports parks) in Giovanniland and has recently undergone reforms so that it can host visitors from around the world for the Esferiad. It was originally founded by Olibrio Vigellio in the 12th century, during the late Giovannian Empire.
Perkurso Mallisfere Medottoni* - An interesting tourist attraction in the nearby city of Medottone, it's the largest golf course of Giovanniland, a sport called mallisfera in Giovannese, from the words for hammer and ball. Visitors and athletes alike at the venue will not only be able to see the sport itself, but also the breathtaking nature of the nearby tropical forests.
Stadio Lidoborano - This venue is one of the two football stadiums located in the main host city, and the only one of those that isn’t a new venue built for the event. Named after the province where the city of Quorivo is located, this is one of the oldest football stadiums of Giovanniland and also the home stadium of the Quire Quorivane (Spears of Quorivo), the city’s most popular team. Among the football matches it will host is the third-place match!
Arena Rivi Purpuri - The name of this stadium refers to one of the most important Giovannilandian rivers, the Purpuro River, which starts on the Great Violet Range in the central part of the country, and also runs through the city of Quorivo. It is located near the margins of the river, and will host all events of Baseball for the Esferiad.
Manosferio Quorivano - The Manosferio Quorivano, Handball Arena of Quorivo, is one of the largest handball stadiums of the country and notably serves as the home stadium for the national handball team! While many sports' national teams have in fact their seats in the capital Giovannia, handball is one of the exceptions due to the fact it is better known in the northern part of the country but not much elsewhere.
Stadio Giordano Magisto - The venue for the Esferiad's Rugby Sevens events, it is located in eastern Quorivo and bears the name of a famous Giovannilandian player of both sevens and union, who currently also coaches both national teams. The Stadio Giordano Magisto is also the oldest rugby stadium of the country, founded in the early 14th century when the sport was introduced in Giovanniland.
Stadio Zerino* - This is another football stadium that will be used as a venue for certain matches during the Esferiad. It is named after an important person in Lavandulan history, who reunited his people after centuries of division after the Lavandulan Empire's fall and sought an alliance with the powerful Abrentans to defend against external threats, eventually ushering in the foundation of the Giovannian Empire.
Grande Stadio Sferiko - In a prominent location of downtown Quorivo lies this grand stadium, near the margins of the Purpuro River. It was one of the few venues built for the Esferiad, and is planned to host the opening ceremony on the 24th of October, with the Esferic Flame to be lit there and then transported to Blue Bubble for the closing ceremony. Throughout the remainder of the event, the Grande Stadio Sferiko (Grand Esferic Stadium) will host various field and track athletic events. 
Grande Kentro Violeto - The main spot for basketball in Quorivo, this center was of course selected and expanded to serve as a venue for the Esferiad’s Basketball events. It is located near the Great Violet Park, which is an important place of worship for the Violetist religion and is filled with violet flowers, hence the basketball center also adopting this name.
Kentro Equestre Lavandulo - A new venue built for the event, the Lavandula Equestrian Center will host all equestrian events of the Esferiad, i.e. both individual and team versions of Dressing, Eventing and Jumping. It is located on the western part of Quorivo, near the Purpuro River.
Stadio Sferiko Rege Karlo III - While lacrosse is not very popular among the Giovannilandians, it was one of the former monarch Karlo III’s favorite sports, and thus he was honored by becoming the namesake of the main lacrosse stadium of Giovanniland. The venue was recently expanded so that it could host all events of this sport for the Esferiad.
Stadio Sferiko Rege Giovanni VI - A new football stadium built for the Esferiad and one bearing the current monarch’s name, it has a high capacity that rivals the Arena Abrentana in the capital Giovannia, where the national team is located. It will host several football matches for the Esferiad, including the final match where the gold and silver medals will be decided.
Via Firkella Herennio - This cycling road is the largest in the city of Quorivo and is named after a famous Giovannilandian cyclist from the 14th century. It is located in the southern part of the city near the Arena Benaventura, and will host the Esferiad’s Road Cycling events. 
Bella Verderia Arquaris - This venue name means the Beautiful Park of the Archers, and is located in an open area in the extreme west of the city. It's been chosen for the Archery events of the Esferiad, and is also halfway between downtown Quorivo and the iconic Monte Zodeno I with its nearby tropical forest!
Magna Arena Gyalbana* - The last of the five football stadiums in this list, it is located in the city of Kyene, which is the capital of the nearby Gyalbo Province of the Lavanda Prima region. It will host certain football matches in the Esferiad, and is the home stadium of the Kunigli Kyenesi (Rabbits of Kyene) team as well. 
Velodromo Kelsano-Vikenti - Named after Giovannilandian track cyclist Lodena Kelsano-Vikenti, it is the indoor velodrome chosen to host the Esferiad’s track events. One of the most important velodromes in the country, it also recently underwent various reforms to host bigger national and international events.
Stadio Galerio-Dellina* - Last but certainly not least in this list is the Stadio Galerio-Dellina, which will host both the singles and doubles modalities of tennis for the Esferiad. The venue's namesake is a famous tennis player from Uryde, called Zelya Galerio-Dellina, which was posthumously honored with a change in the stadium's name to recognize her national and international achievements.

Sunday 24th October 1421 - Häřtferdsierndeambeu Esferied Kęmiti Preview of the II Summer Esferiad (Quoriv & Karventhin)

Jeremy Clarkson: Hello and welcome to what is the 2nd time you've seen the Häřtferdsierndeambeu Esferied Kęmiti do news because we aren't going to let some news station or the government do the reporting. Yes, we know we are the olympic committee themselves but our track record for reliable pro-H&J reporting (yes, they can go hand-in-hand) is like that of a 5 star hotel. So everything is fine on the accuracy end. Now where were we... oh yes. Let us begin from the top.
Richard Hammond: Yes we shall.
Jeremy Clarkson: Wha- Hammond!
Richard Hammond: Hello & welcome, we are Hertfordshire & Jammbo's Olympic Committee, let us introduce ourselves. We are your hosts Clarkson, Hammond & May. Even though we are competing in the Esferiad too, we also do the reporting alongside our editor John Kramer.
John Kramer: We hope you appreciate the effort put into this and indeed the life you live, otherwise you might find yourself valuing your life just that much more.
Richard Hammond: John, we aren't putting people into your karmic death traps.
John Kramer: The sinners of society need to learn somehow.

A picture of the three hosts of coverage of Hertfordshire & Jammbo's efforts at Summer Esferiad II. John Kramer, the editor, is not pictured. He said he had to sort something out.
Richard Hammond: Anyway, you join us on Lavender Island, just off the north-east coast of our home continent Andolia so this is far closer to home than the first Esferiad which took place all the way up in St. Josalyn, Cambria. Lavender Island is home to the nations of Blue Bubble...
James May: It's called Glenpavia, Richard.
Richard Hammond: ...and Giovanniland.
Jeremy Clarkson: Regardless of their name, we have brought in 150 official entrants, though the real number thanks to team activities is higher than that.
James May: Quoriv in Giovanniland & Karventhin in Glenpavia are the two host cities in this joint effort by two Auran nations who have a long & storied history with each other. But I'm sure they can explain it all themselves.
Jeremy Clarkson: If you will recall at the first Summer Esferiad, we performed much better than anyone was expecting, ranking as the third best nation that time round.
Richard Hammond: That's right. The only two able to perform on a superior level to us and it was a narrow margin were Cambria & their national brothers Nieubasria, the Astor duo. I also seem to recall that I won gold in lightweight boxing back then.
James May: So you'll be attempting to defend your title?
Richard Hammond: Yep!
James May: And what if you fail?
Jeremy Clarkson: He'll die of shame and I'll die laughing.
Richard Hammond: Heheh, yeah.
Jeremy Clarkson: Well unfortunately we don't have time to show you the roster just yet, but we are working to provide the highest quality roster sheet we can muster.
James May: Which, considering it's us three, isn't really the highest standard.
Jeremy Clarkson: No you're right, I mean, in the eyes of somewhere like Saint Mark or another similarly high brow nation, our version of highest quality is their version of peasantry.
Richard Hammond: Everything is peasantry to them!
James May: Well, that's not strictly true but...
Jeremy Clarkson: Sorry James, we don't have enough time for one of your lectures so we'll end it there. Thank you so much for watching and, er, goodnight!
Richard Hammond: Er, Jeremy, where's John?

A small squeaking can be heard in the distance, just outside the HNJEK headquarters at the outside lavatory.
Billy: I want to play a game. [spoken in the distance]
Richard Hammond: Oh no.
James May: I'll go sort it out.
Richard Hammond: Has Kramer seriously gone and put opposition athletes, or even our own, into one of his traps?
Jeremy Clarkson: Maybe it's unrelated to him, although that would not surprise me given his twisted sense of justice.
Richard Hammond: I've just had a thought, what if Marcarius or one of his aides...
Jeremy Clarkson: Butlers & maids.
Richard Hammond: Yeah, butlers & maids.
James May: Rich poncey pillocks.
Jeremy Clarkson: Oh, you're back. Any luck?
John Kramer: Alright, I've de-activated Billy. I don't condone putting innocent people into my traps. That is akin to murder.
James May: Like that's going to reassure everyone.
Jeremy Clarkson: Back to the aristocrat, I very much doubt that would be possible, that man's going to have the highest level security imaginable. Now if I might make a suggestion... run!
Richard Hammond: Running away. Disclaimer, we weren't involved in whatever John was doing!
 
Well, that debacle happened. We hope to see you lot again soon for more insulting of other nations and general cocking about. In the meantime, let us send off in the usual fashion. Some say our athletes have been found as far north as Avaratra, and that we have a full size Esferiad logo on an Esferiad logo. All we know is, we are the HNJEK. Goodbye!
         
 

Blue Bubble and Kharventhin

The Coat of Arms of Kharventhin and Flag of Blue Bubble respectively.


A map of Blue Bubble showing Kharventhin in the north along the coast- the closest city in Blue Bubble is Avaratra.
Basic Information
Blue Bubble is located on the west side of Lavender Island, and has a rich history which is entwined with Giovanniland. As the current Mpitarika attempts to come out of the isolation culture the previous leaders have adopted, working with Giovanniland offers the perfect stage for new relations that Blue Bubble is wanting to begin.
Kharventhin is perhaps the most ancient city in Blue Bubble, with its origins in the Lavandulan civilization. It was founded during Lavandula’s westward expansion in the 16th century BF and served as an important outpost. During the fall of the Lavandulan Empire, it became abandoned for a while, but was reconquered by the Duchy of Quoriv after the Battle of Kharventhin in 187 BF, becoming the main access to the western north of Lavender Island. It remained a major northern city during the Giovannian Empire, and later became the main northern centre for Blue Bubble’s struggle for independence. Its importance of culture is still well noted now, with plenty of monuments and history buildings across the central city landscape. During the time of Blue Bubble, it has been identified as a quietly expanding city, with many close villages becoming suburbs for the city, and is the 3rd largest city in Blue Bubble. It is noted as one of the upcoming cities of Blue Bubble for 1421, and a well-loved holiday for many Glenpavians.
For the games, the airport has received an update, along with the train station, which is located near the athletes village. These and the network of main 61’ Roads are the easiest way of leaving and entering the city. Also highlighted on the map are venues, and places of culture within the city- often around these places you will see places to stay and to eat. Due to The previous stance on immigration and foreign travel, you will see a lot more Blue Bubble based eateries which host a range of native cultural dishes. These dishes include stews with seafood, grains and vegetables, Salted Beef in red wine, and fish in a tender tomato, garlic, ginger and herb sauce. 

Map of Kharventhin with major Places of Culture and Esferiad Venues.
Venues
Rano Aquatics Centre - Aquatics

Built for the Esferiad games, this new venue for Aquatics is part of the Enrichment program for young Glenpavians, and will be used for training and education purposes after the games.
Kharventhin Boxing Stadium - Boxing, Wrestling

Boxing is a popular event to watch at bars across the country, with major matches being filmed at Kharventhin Boxing Stadium often.
Kharventhin National Park, City, and Violet Lake - Canoeing, Rowing, Triathlon

The National Park is a focal point for Glenpavians to visit Kharventhin due to the range of camping grounds, hiking routes, as well as parts of the Reni river dedicated to canoeing and other outdoor water activities like fishing, and Violet Lake, where many fish and row. The city will be used with the river to host the Triathlon.
The National GKA Budo Dojo - Fencing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo

The Glenpavia Karate Association set up this dojo for all Budo to perform seminars and competitions. As a dedicated space for these arts with large seating areas, Kharventhin decided the Dojo will be perfect. They have recently increased the seating as a gift for hosting the most events in Kharventhin during the games, as there is expectation of increased interest of what the dojo has to offer in the near future. 
Masina Marina - Sailing

Near the mouth of the Reni River, this Marina is popular with new international visitors and those who can afford a space on the spacious dock
Moka Centre of Shooting - Shooting

Just like the Aquatics centre, this centre is built for the games, and will be used as practice afterwards.
Masina Beach - Surfing

The popular place to chill and surf, this beach is perfect for the games.
Patin Skate Park - Skateboarding

This Park is newly built as part of the Enrichment program, but has been given additional grants for seating for the games. Skateboarding is a popular pastime for youths, and this park will be free to use after the games.
Sarana Stadium - Beach Volleyball

Built for the games, this Stadium sits on Masina Beach, further up from where the surfing will take place.
Siraka Stadium - Indoor Volleyball

Situated in the city, this Stadium is actually multi-purpose, and many regional school tournaments are hosted here.
Places of Culture
Lavandulan Ruins and Museum

These ruins are well-preserved evidence of Lavandulan culture. The Museum includes further artefacts and information about the ruins outside.
The Duchy Estate

This Medieval Castle was built for the Duchy of Quoriv, and is open to visitors to look inside and learn more about Kharventhin’s role in the Duchy. You can also eat on the promenade in front of the small man-made lake which covers a part of the grounds. 
Glendora Sailing Boats

These boats are built in the style of the Glendora Nomads who decided to settle on Lavender Island. This kind of attraction is common across many seaside cities in Blue Bubble, but is still a fun trip on the waters.
Uprising Memorial and Museum

This Statue marks the memorial of the 1091 uprisings of the Giovannian Empire, and allows those to mourn those who lost their lives across both nations. It is a solemn place, and is marked with Lavender flowers every August during the Independence period of mourning and celebrations.