December 23. 2000 Tokachi, Hokaido Children's skating meet in Tokachi This was the first children's skating meet; children were from first-grader to six-grader. It was the first time for the first-graders. I hoped they did their best as they had practiced since the past summer on the indoor skate rink. Some kids fell down, maybe too much expectation made them nervous. As Tokahci is cold but has less snow, speed skating and ice hockey are very popular. Starting from the event, they hold meetings every week.

	They are warming up. It had been snowing since in the morning and their only concern was the cancellation of the meet.		They are tense just before the race. The sun has appeared.
	They are ready for the final race of 500 meters. Parents are excited and cheering.		A prize giving for the first-grader girl. She must be happy though she looks nervous.