ISM Sends 26 Athletes to Abu Dhabi for the 14^th SABIS^® Global Sports Tournament

Even with over 1,200 athletes and thousands of fans in the stands, the chant of, “GO USA,” echoed as ISM students and coaches walked into the opening ceremony representing the United States of America in the 14^th SABIS^® Global Sports Tournament (GST). Student-athletes, parents, and staff had chills running up and down their arms during that moment.

A moment they will never forget.

The International School of Minnesota sent 26 student-athletes to the SABIS^® International School-Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, during the week of April 28. There were 30 SABIS^® schools representing 17 countries at the tournament and this was the first time that ISM participated in the event. 

The SABIS^® Global Sports Tournament is a bi-annual event hosted by a different school within the SABIS^® network each time. Students compete in basketball, swimming, football (soccer) and track events. After experiencing the excitement and competition at GST, many of the ISM students are excited to go back and can’t wait to hear where it will be held.

“I’ve traveled to Europe before, but going to the Middle East was a great experience and I can’t wait for the next Global Sports Tournament,” said Greta Reich., freshman at ISM. “It was great to step outside of my comfort zone.”

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony on Thursday night that Sara Reich, ISM librarian and GST chaperone, described as breathtaking. Launching with an Olympic-like entrance as student-athletes walked in holding their country’s flag followed by an equestrian parade and various professional and student performances showcasing the diversity across the SABIS^® schools throughout the world. The finale included an incredible drone display that lit up the sky, leaving everyone in awe and setting the tone for the tournament.

Mrs. Reich described the atmosphere throughout the weekend as electric with overwhelming support from the other athletes and fans. Whether it was on the track, in the pool, on the court, or on the field, these student-athletes gave it their all and competed with a lot of passion and heart.

“To have Team USA athletes cheer for each other was incredible,” Mrs. Reich said. “When all the basketball, soccer, and track athletes came to cheer for the swimmers, it was such a memorable moment.”

The students said the Global Sports Tournament was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at such a high level and on a world stage. These characteristics make it fun for students to look forward to and prepare for the future.

Students weren’t the only people captivated by the atmosphere in Abu Dhabi as the parents were overcome with emotion from the weekend celebrations. 

One parent said their “heart was full” after following all of the events online and through WhatsApp updates, and continued to share that “the weekend was an amazing lifetime experience for their children.” Another parent added, “The significance of educational institutions in shaping the leaders of tomorrow is reflected in this GST journey, which represents their personal growth.”

De Hanuman, ISM athletics and activities director, said it was a captivating weekend as he saw student-athletes giving their all, laughing together, taking pictures together, seeing new sites, and making new friends from around the world. The excitement they had for each event and moment over the weekend brought a smile to Mr. Hanuman’s face.

“The one takeaway I have personally is the moment we were done with competition and me being able to look the entire group in the eyes and thank them for joining me on this journey,” Mr. Hanuman said. “There were so many meaningful moments on this trip, but the one thing I want everyone to know is that our students were able to become better humans by attending this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Roshan B., a freshman at ISM, had a memorable weekend in the swimming competition. He reached the finals in the 25-meter breaststroke and ultimately placed sixth overall. Roshan was excited to place so high in ISM’s first-ever Global Sports Tournament and represent the Huskies in the swimming pool.

“All of the swimmers were very friendly and I enjoyed competing with all of them,” Roshan said. “I’m looking forward to competing two years from now and hopefully reaching the podium.”

Along with competing in the tournament, the student-athletes, staff, and family members were able to do some sightseeing. Some of the highlights included Burj Khalifa, Zayed Sheikh Grand Mosque, and local malls.

Greta and Roshan enjoyed seeing some of the top tourist spots and learning more about Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They remembered taking the elevator up to the top of Burj Khalifa and couldn't believe it only took 60 seconds. On the bus rides back from sightseeing trips, the student-athletes saw different architecture in buildings and discussed how they compare and contrast to buildings in the United States.

Even though the weekend was focused on athletic competitions, the GST allowed students to come together and celebrate a weekend of athletic achievement and a global appreciation within the SABIS^® network.

Many of the ISM students can’t wait to train and prepare for the 15^th Global Sports Tournament. The student-athletes created memories in each competition they participated in, but also made memories in the little moments with students from other SABIS^® schools and creating new friendships. 

Congratulations to all the student-athletes who competed and represented ISM! Go Huskies!