Athletics

Will Moore

Athletics Director

Athletics Report

Virtual

@AISJ/IST 2021

ISSEA Drama

Our ISK Drama team took part in the two-day ISSEA Virtual Drama event on February 25 - 26. They enjoyed a full program of workshops and creativity. It was a great success, well done teams, and thank you to Mrs. Hire!

ISK Drama Team: Grade 11 Anne | Grade 10 - Raquel, Mandisa, Josie, Kati, Corinne, Leti, Isabel, Aan, Even

Varsity Girls Football and ISSEA 2021-2022

This year's road to ISSEA has definitely been a complicated and crazy one. From not thinking it was happening in December to some lastminute tragedies, our team has overcome many adversities. The ISK girls football team has been incredibly committed and dedicated this whole season in the eventual lead-up to ISSEA, with practice 4 days a week, and multiple inter-school matches. Starting off the season, we all had hopes of an ISSEA, but there was of course some doubt surrounding the whole idea of international travel with the current pandemic. To our great surprise, we were able to play local games against schools such as Rosslyn Academy and West Nairobi School, which were honestly more than we expected for the entire season. To then receive the news that we would in fact have an ISSEA and that it would be in South Africa was incredible to hear! We immediately began training to the best of our abilities, focusing on positioning, skills and tactics, and ball handling. When arriving in South Africa, the whole team was both excited and overwhelmed. We started off strong on day one. With both the boys and girls winning both their matches we were ecstatic. On day two, we were filled with a mix of emotions, losing against AISJ 2-0, and then overcoming that loss and playing Uganda, winning 4-0. The last day was definitely difficult, with some dicey calls and unlucky shots costing us both games. Although we definitely were the more dominant team and put up a great fight, we lost really tragically in extra time for both games, placing fourth overall in the ISSEA tournament.

Throughout the course of the tournament, we became closer as a team, through both exciting wins and tragic losses. We are all leaving this tournament with new and strong connections with our own team and all the participating schools. As captains, we are so happy that we were able to have this experience and are incredibly grateful for our coaches- Mr. Otieno and Mr. Kay, Mr. Moore, Ms. Laws, and the supporting parents and students who watched us and pushed us along the way. We wish the girls luck next year! Report by Team Captains: Louisiana, Jodie, Neve

The Team: Girls: Grade 12 - Jodie, Luci, Neve, Ciara, Remi | Grade 11 - Alessandra, Isobella, Vera | Grade 10 - Erika, Anika | Grade 9 - Zoe Including: Medina, Ameya, Reem, Helina - for local matches

ISSEA Boys Football 2022 - Reflection:

On the 24th of February, the ISK team arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although we were mostly tired after a long flight, we were impressed by the OR Tambo airport and left for the buses. During the bus ride, we were all amazed by the South African grasslands and the overall design of the city. Throughout the span of this trip, we were grateful for being under the care of considerate people; ranging from hotel staff, drivers, AISJ volunteers, and notably our very own community of coaches and organizers, that made sure we had what we needed. Additionally, the AISJ community was welcoming and kind- notably their cheers for the lions, student volunteers, and their ability to troubleshoot issues.

Great performances on the field, coupled with incredible memories off the field allowed for this ISSEA experience to be classified as unforgettable. In the context of ISK’s overall performance in ISSEA, including both boys and girls, I would say that the overall position doesn't justify the performances. Although both boys and girls placed fourth, a final for both teams was easily in reach. With luck against our side, unfortunately, the final was taken away from us. But, over the past 3 days, we have seen every person leave their absolute most on the field. Throughout the tournament, we experienced a range of emotions. As boys, we started the first day off incredibly well, leaving us top of the group. We saw ourselves come back from one goal down to end up winning by one goal in the timeframe of about five minutes. This truly displayed the character of each individual on the team and foreshadowed the type of mindset we would have approaching the rest of the games. A mentality that saw us draw one, but win 3 consecutive games. However, our first game on the final day was difficult, against a team we had already faced. In this instance, we were reminded of the cruelty of competition as instances of lapses of focus, took us further away from the final. However, to speak towards the unity of this group, we

were quick to pick each other up and focus on the next game. Unfortunately, a loss in this next game saw us come in fourth in this ISSEA tournament. Truthfully frustrated, but cognizant, our group felt the shock of losing a semi-final, and the loss of the ability to participate in a final. As captains, we’ve learned the importance of leading by example and of inclusion. Although ISSEA is a competition, we were reminded of the importance of sportsmanship and discipline; both ISK teams made it a point to cheer on the other group. This group spirit helped us represent ISK as it should be represented; with respect, passion, servitude towards others, and winning mentalities. We would like to thank our coaches and organizers: Coach Franklin, Coach Otieno, Mrs. Laws, Mr. Moore, as well as those who were with us in spirit- Mr. Sucre and Mr. Kay. Beyond the instructions off the pitch, their help and mentorship formed our character. We now see all of us walking away more grateful, optimistic, and responsible. Encompassingly, we speak for all when we say that ISSEA was a motivating and positive experience. We plan to use all our experience to win it all next year. Go Lions! Report by Team Captains: Mouhamad & Aliyaz

Boys: Grade 12 - Aliyaz, Matias, Timo, Sebastian | Grade 11 - Reuben, Mouhamad, Brian, Keshav | Grade 10 - Daniel, Julien | Grade 9 - Yandel

Will Moore

Athletics Director