At the end of The Long Game, the Mustangs triumph by winning the tournament, though their victory celebration deviates from tradition due to discriminatory practices disguised by the organizers.
The Mustangs' Victory and Non-Traditional Ceremony
The climax of The Long Game sees the Mustangs successfully win the golf tournament. However, their achievement is met with an unusual award ceremony. Instead of a traditional presentation, the organizers cite "bad weather" as the reason for not giving them the trophy in the usual manner, despite the skies being clear. This act is understood by the team as a form of discrimination, reflecting the challenges they faced throughout their journey.
Overcoming Adversity and Community Recognition
Despite the organizers' subtle act of prejudice, the Mustangs do not dwell on it. They brush off this discriminatory treatment and return to their community. There, they are greeted with a hero's welcome, celebrated for their resilience and for prevailing against significant odds. This reception underscores the true value of their victory, which extends beyond a trophy to inspire and unite their community.
The ending highlights:
- Triumph: The team achieves their goal of winning the tournament.
- Discrimination: They face a final subtle act of prejudice from the tournament organizers.
- Resilience: The team chooses to look past the slight and focus on their achievement.
- Community Support: Their ultimate reward comes from the strong affirmation and celebration by their own community, validating their hard work and struggle.
