Last week, on 2-3 May, primary school students at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) took part in our second annual school sports day. At YCIS Beijing our annual sports day is known as Champions Day. Activities for Champions Day were once again held on the campus of our sister school YWIES, in nearby Yizhuang. Unfortunately, due to a school holiday for YWIES students, we were unable to unite forces this year, but a great Champions Day was had none the less!

Champions Day for YCIS Beijing actually spans two days, with students from Years 1 and 2 competing first (this past Thursday, 2 May) and Years 3-5 participating second (on last Friday, 3 May). This year’s event saw roughly 400 YCIS Beijing students join in to test their mettle against their peers. Our little champions went head-to-head in an array of events. Among the activities were a 50-meter dash, javelin throw, wet sponge relays, and egg and spoon races, to name just a few! The grand finale on both days was a tug-o-war competition. This year parents weighed into the competition joining battle with the students and teachers for an all-out melee! (Albeit a health-and-safety approved and sanctioned one, no one was injured in the least, we assure you).

Primary Physical Education Teacher for Years 1-3, Amy Sims who organized Champions Day said of the event:“I organized the event, but the reason it ran so smoothly is because of all of the teacher and parent volunteers. Our volunteers helped manage all of the stations and led the students around the grounds to participate in each challenge. Without them, the event would not be possible. I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who showed up and participated.”

Champions Day is one of the many ways we enrich the lives of our young scholars at YCIS Beijing. Aside from the fresh air, exercise, general enjoyment, and the adrenaline of competition Champions Day injects into school life, it also helps us nurture the seeds of teamwork and good character we strive to plant in the hearts of our students all year long. These seeds with regular care will grow to bear the fruits of cooperation, compassion and kindness in our students that in turn will help them to act for a better world, a key part of our school mission.

Following on from the success of our second annual Champion Day, we look forward to doing it all again next year, but better! As we eagerly anticipate being rejoined by the staff and students of YWIES Yizhuang!