Sport In AIS
Sport is an integral part of the AIS culture. Our Students are encouraged to partake in it from Early Years all the way to Secondary School, not only to develop physical skills but also for the development of important life skills such as leadership and resilience.
During the last week of Term 1 at AIS, we enjoyed a number of sporting events. But one of the most exciting news stories actually occurred during the Senior Singapore National Age Group Swimming (SNAGS) championships OCBC Aquatic Centre, Millie, a very talented Year 8 student, finished first in the Women 13 & Over 50m Freestyle at the Singapore National Age Group championship (SNAG) with a time of 27.36 (and a personal best)!
There was also cause to celebrate in the Junior group, with Grace, Coen and Abby making the Top 20. For many of our students, it was their first time competing at a national level.
From the 32 swimmers, and 160 swims, the team achieved 14 Final Swims, 9 age qualifying times and a bronze medal.
These performances were not only gratifying for the students who are in the pool at 5.45am, six days a week, but also for their coaches. John Woolford, AIS Aquatic Director and Georgy Stolyarov, Development Head Coach, who have developed the AIS swim programme during the last few years, utlising not only their own high level swimming experience, but the mentoring they receive from revered swim coach Stephan Widmer, who has coached the Australian Swim team and who is currently National Head Coach & Performance Director at Singapore Swimming Association.
AIS is also part of the South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC), a group of 12 international schools in South East Asia that engage in friendly competition with each other in Sports and the Arts.
AIS joined SEASAC in 2017 and our students, from Years 6 to 12, now compete in 15 events in countries throughout the region. This gives them not only international exposure, but the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
A recent achievement was the Sharks SEASAC Softball girls’ team bringing home SEASAC Gold!
Participating in sports at AIS isn’t something that’s restricted to solely the competitive arena, it’s something for everyone to enjoy! Our House Inter-House sporting events through the year allow students to compete against each other across a range of sports.
Students are split into four Houses named after iconic Australian rivers, Lachlan, Murray, Derwent and Fitz Roy. For many Elementary Students, it is their first time experiencing all manner of track and swimming activities. Competition is always intense on the Secondary side but, that doesn’t mean there’s no time for fun. In true AIS spirit everyone cheers each other on, with quirky costumes and lively chants raising the excitement to fever pitch.
The Carnivals are capped off with an Awards ceremony, acknowledging the winning House and notable participants. Though not everyone gets an award, the bonds and memories built are the greatest trophies.
