The tenth edition of the Global Olympics organized by the Globeducate group took place from June 5 to 7, 2023 at the Nobel Algarve School in Portugal. The event is one of seven global events in the annual Globeducate calendar.
Globeducate schools from France took part in the competition: Collège EIB Monceau, EIB de La Jonchère, Hattemer Bilingue 8e, ICS Paris, International School of Nice and Mougins School.
Of the EIB schools, 12 students took part in the challenge: six from Collège EIB Monceau and six from EIB de la Jonchère.
"This was a fantastic event that brought together students from the Globeducate community to share 3 days of sports. The Olympic values of collaboration, friendship and respect were at the heart of this unforgettable experience" (Maria Fernández, accompanying teacher from EIB de La Jonchère).
This event was organized to promote health, physical well-being and sports skills. The aim was to bring students together around common attributes and values Globeducate believe in, such as teamwork, fair play, respect, effort and resilience.
More than 200 students from 25 Globeducate schools took part in this sporting competition, through the participation of schoolchildren from over 6 countries: Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, the UK and Cyprus.
The students were able to put into practice the skills they had learned in sports class, as well as those of teamwork, cohesion and respect.
A first day of getting to meet their schoolmates and one-time competitors
The first day was all about determination and enthusiasm.
Our 12 schoolchildren began the day divided into several teams named after the beaches of the Algarve and distinguished by their unique colors.
The day was punctuated by a variety of activities and games, as well as time at the beach. They had the opportunity to practise various sports, such as surfing and canoeing. Inflatables were also set up on the water to offer a well-deserved moment of relaxation after the morning's preparations.
The day was a first experience for the schoolchildren, helping them to get to know their peers from 6 different countries.
"I loved the experience of being with another family and competing with different schools" (Mateo, student from EIB de La Jonchère).
A sporty second day
The second day of the trip saw the start of the Global Olympics events.
Our schoolchildren were first welcomed to Lagoa's Belavista stadium, where they challenged the other schools to soccer and athletics.
Various events took place, such as the 100m and 400m, long jump and vortex, where each player had three tries.
Playing these sports helps develop skills such as respect for rules, motivation and the importance of teamwork.
Playing soccer also helps them develop team spirit, coordination and dexterity.
As for long jumping, it improves concentration and stress management, an essential skill for students.
"This experience in Portugal was fantastic. There was an incredible and great atmosphere and it allowed us to mix and cooperate with different schools. An opportunity I'll never forget" (Sophia, student from EIB de La Jonchère)
A shared experience - end to the trip
On the last day of their stay in Portugal, the schoolchildren played 14-minute basketball matches to develop their team spirit. They also took part in Ultimate Frisbee activities to hone their reflexes.
They particularly appreciated the opportunity to meet other students from different cultures and countries, as well as to compete in fun and enriching activities.
It was also during this day that the closing ceremony took place which included presentations, dance, art and music,
In her opening speech, Abi Lews, Headmistress of Nobel Algarve British International School said: "Our Global Olympics event is not only a celebration of sporting excellence in Globeducate schools, but also a testament to the enduring Olympic values and Globeducate's mission to prepare every student to become a global citizen and to shape the world.
The Olympic values represent a set of principles that go beyond the realm of sport. They encompass universal ideals that promote personal fulfillment, social cohesion and global harmony. It is essential to promote these values among young people, as they cultivate a generation of individuals who are not only physically active, but also morally upright, compassionate and socially responsible."
During the ceremony, the students met Anyika Onuora, a British athlete specializing in sprinting events, who shared her sporting journey and her participation in the 2016 Olympic Games.
"The Globeducate Olympic Games are an important moment in the life of our school. This type of event is totally in line with the principles and values of our school: sharing, solidarity, internationality. We're very proud to take part, and our students always come back amazed by the quality of the welcome and the organization of the event. Many thanks to the entire Nobel team for this magnificent event, and we look forward to seeing you in Paris for the next Academic Olympics" Jean-Pierre Davasse, Director of Collège EIB Monceau.
In this way, the Global Olympics provided an unforgettable platform for international collaboration, for connecting young minds and global perspectives, and for forming lifelong memories for participating students and teachers.
See you next year for the 11th edition of this enriching event, to be held in Spain!