Sokka doesn't know Akito all that well, but he at least heard that he was in the Shagpar Races, so in a support of solidarity for his fellow Foreigners, Sokka is there too. And he's just in time too. He sees the racer coming in, and once he crosses the line, Sokka is running out to come greet him, hopping over whatever fence is nearby to come shake his hand.

"Look at you! Fifth place! FIFTH PLACE!"