TES Connect 2025 Winter

Cover Story

Whole Child Development

Under 15 FOBISIA Games

The U15 FOBISIA Games is a three-day multi-sport tour nament that brings together young athletes from British and international schools across Asia. Hosted at Pattana Sports Resort in Thailand this November, the Games provide a competitive yet friendly environment where schools compete in matched groups based on size and ability. Day one features athletics and swimming, day two focuses on football, and day three concludes with basketball. Throughout the tournament, the empha sis remains firmly on the ethos of the Friendly Games, where respect, sportsmanship, and international friend ship are valued as highly as medals. What Students Learned Resilience and grit; competing across multiple sports in a short timeframe builds exceptional mental and physical toughness. Adaptability; athletes must switch between the sol i tude of swimming, the intensity of athletics, and the communication demands of team sports. Cultural competence; meeting peers from across Asia nurtures a broader world view and an appreciation of different cultures. Collaborative leadership; students learn when to lead and when to support teammates in high-pressure moments. Sportsmanship; athletes practise winning with humil ity and losing with grace.

Student Reflections “It’s a great memory that you will think back on when you have left school.” “The best part was actually the gala dinner. I sat next to students from a school in Malaysia and realised we had so much in common. I think I’ve made friends that I’ll keep in touch with for a long time.” “My highlight was the last basketball game. We were ex hausted, but we looked at each other and decided we wouldn’t give up. That feeling of working that hard for each other was better than any medal.”

WINTER 2025 | 18