ICS Addis hosted the highly anticipated virtual International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa (ISSEA) 2021 Track and Field event on 29 October. The event marks the first athletic event in two years, since the onset of the pandemic. ISSEA is a varsity organization that manages athletic competitions and cultural conventions for its eight-member schools.
The competing schools included ICS Addis, American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), American International School of Mozambique (AISM), American International School of Lusaka (AISL), Harare International School (HIS), International School of Kenya (ISK), International School of Tanganyika (IST), and International School of Uganda (ISU).
Surrounded by positive and exciting energy from the physical and virtual crowds, the event launched with an opening ceremony that included a parade of flags represented by each of the Heads of Schools. Famous Ethiopian athlete Geatnet Wale was introduced and gifted by our Head of School, Dr. Tim Stuart. We were also honored by an anticipated performance by the ICS High School music band.
All in attendance thrived off the momentum of coming together to see our own student athletes on campus running, jumping, throwing, and competing against their peers. Some parents were also cheering their children on from a safe distance in the Eagles Observatory.
Despite the competition with other ISSEA member schools being virtual, we were live-streaming the event so all ISSEA schools were able to see our opening ceremonies and our events all day. Member schools shared their excitement by capturing videos and photos of their team spirit. And of course, our HS media team was out in full force interviewing ICS athletes and Heads of Schools.
I’ve been enjoying the energy and community feel. Having people on campus, having parents here and cheering. We are not yet at the point in Kenya where we can have parents on campus, so this has been very refreshing. - Michael Callan, Head of School, International School of Kenya.
We couldn’t be more honored to be the ones hosting the first ISSEA championship in nearly 2 years. While it was virtual in nature, it didn’t feel like it--the atmosphere on campus was absolutely electric! The tremendous effort from our athletes along with the incredible support from our students, staff, and parents made this event not only possible but also memorable. - John Kim, Athletics & Activities Director
A week later and the results are in. Congratulations to HIS and ISK for taking first place in track and field for girls and boys, respectively, while ICS Addis secured second place for track and field and cross country for girls and boys respectively. ISK also swept the cross country races!
Although this was a competitive event, there was a unified sense of restored hope. It was a sign that we are bringing back social events slowly but surely. This was all possible through the diligent work of John Kim, our Athletics and Activities Director and the entire department. Recognition also goes to all the athletes, student volunteers, and all the participants.