Last Thursday and Friday Years 1-5 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing took part in our first school Sports Day. The activities were held at the brand new Yizhuang campus of our sister school YWIES and we were pleased to join forces with the Yew Wah students too for a fantastic community event.

Warm-up exercises were led by the Yew Wah students, and a welcome speech was given by Ms Amy Sims, Primary PE Teacher at YCIS Beijing and organiser of the event. Ms Amy was excited to rename the Sports Day Champion Day:

“This was no ordinary sports day. I wanted to get our students feeling really excited about the activities ahead, and perform like champions.” she explained.

Students were divided into teams within their classes, but there was also an opportunity for individuals to win house points. The house system at YCIS Beijing encourages inter-year group team building and a sense of competition that lasts throughout the school year.

Among the activities were a javelin throw, egg and spoon race, potato sack race, 50m sprint and long jump. On both days, activities drew to a close with a ferociously competitive Tug of War – for students and teachers! Worn out after an energetic day, our YCIS Beijing students piled on the coaches back to school.

Ms Amy remarked that “although this was the first time we have held a school sports day – or Champion Day – everything went slickly from start to finish. I am so grateful to all the staff and parents who assisted with the day. We had helpers at every station ensuring the activities went smoothly and that all our children were having a fantastic time. I’d also like to thank the PE teachers from YWIES, Ms Kate Sissons and Mr Hu, who were instrumental in organising the event and so welcoming to our school. We were delighted to be able to take advantage of their brand new facilities.”

A day like sports day brings about all sorts of benefits for students. Of course, there are benefits to spending a day outside, getting exercise, having fun and enjoying healthy competition. But it is also a good lesson in team spirit and sportsmanship – important skills for life.

After the success of the 2018 Champion Day, we are looking forward to hosting the event again next year and continuing to form ties with the staff and students at YWIES Yizhuang!