Nobel Algarve British International School hosts tenth Globeducate Global Olympics

Nobel Algarve British International School in Portugal's Algarve region recently hosted the 10th Global Olympics, one of seven global events on the Globeducate annual calendar, and brought nearly 400 students and 32 teachers together from 25 international and bilingual schools from across the group.

The three-day competition, for students aged 9 to 13, involved sports including basketball, football, beach volleyball, track and field running, ultimate frisbee, sea kayaking and, for leisure, an inflatables challenge course in the sea. Students travelled from Cyprus, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK to participate in this event.

Teams were mixed between schools and each morning, students met in their teams at the school's impressive, purpose-built Olympic Village, for briefings with their coaches and fun, warm-up activities. Visiting students stayed with host families in the Algarve, all parents and students belonging to the Nobel Algarve British International School community. This encouraged the students to connect, experience new cultures, foods, languages, and ways of life, as well as ensuring they went home with some fantastic memories and new friends.

Abi Lewis, Head of School of Nobel Algarve British International School, expressed her delight at hosting the event and commended the students, teachers, and host families for their enthusiastic participation. She also extended her gratitude to the Year 10 Nobel Algarve students who contributed as referees and mentors for the younger participants.

The event's closing ceremony at the Lagoa campus involved presentations, dance, art and music, involving students who had not participated in the sporting events. In her opening speech Abi Lewis said: “Our Global Olympics event is not only a celebration of athletic excellence across Globeducate schools but also a testament to the enduring Olympic values and to the Globeducate mission, which is to prepare each student to be a global citizen who can shape the world.”

The closing ceremony also featured an inspiring speech from British sprint track and field athlete Anyika Onuoa. Her illustrious career boasts an impressive collection of Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic medals; one of her most notable achievements being a vital member of the women's 4 x 400m relay that clinched a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Daniel Jones, Chief Education Officer for Globeducate, commented, “It was fantastic to witness the high level of enthusiasm and engagement from students and to hear such encouraging and positive feedback from our teachers who worked with the students and also got to know new colleagues. We give special thanks to the families who hosted Globeducate students from other countries, as without their support and warm welcome, the event simply would not have been such a success, or even possible.”

Students shared their positive experiences of the event. Alessandro,11, from ICS Milan, Italy, praised the opportunity to make new friends and participate in various sports. He loved that the teams were mixed between schools, making it easier to make new friends. Holly, 9, from Nobel Algarve British International School enjoyed the inflatables and playing football at the stadium, while Harry, 13, from Stonar School appreciated the kindness of the people he met and his enjoyment of football and basketball. Angela,12, from Coruña British International School cherished the warm welcome, ease of making friends, and expressed a desire to stay in touch with everyone she had met.

A teacher from Pascal Private English School Lefkosia, Cyprus, Nectaria Hadjisergis, lauded the passion and camaraderie exhibited by the students, considering it a fantastic experience for both teachers and students. She said: “Lovely, passionate students, loving the sports, loving being all together, creating new teams - taking it very seriously but having fun at the same time!”

Overall, the Global Olympics provided an unforgettable platform for international collaboration, for connecting young minds and spirits for a global perspective, and for the formation of lifelong memories for the participating students and teachers. Globeducate events are designed to connect young minds and spirits for a global perspective, and to inspire all involved to make a valuable contribution to the world.