In an impressive showcase of talent and sportsmanship, Sunmarke School’s primary students from Year 5 and 6 have soared to new heights by securing the coveted first place overall at the esteemed U11 British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Games. This remarkable achievement was highlighted by victories in girls’ football, athletics, and boys’ basketball, setting a new benchmark for excellence in youth sports.
The games unfolded over three exhilarating days from 1st – 3rd March 2024, with Sunmarke School‘s teams delivering standout performances in various disciplines. On Friday, the girls’ football team clinched victory with a thrilling 1-0 win in the final, while the boys’ basketball team emerged triumphant in a closely contested match, winning by a narrow margin of 11-10. Martina’s exceptional performance earned her the title of Most Valuable Player for girls’ football, showcasing Sunmarke’s commitment to nurturing individual talent within its rigorous sports programme.
On Saturday, the swimming team finished at 7th place out of 12 teams, with the girls’ netball team finishing 5th, and the boys’ football team securing 2nd place after a hard-fought 2-0 loss to BISC. Sunday proved to be the highlight of the competition for Sunmarke, as the school’s athletes dominated the athletics events. Nyla set a new high jump record of 1.37m, while Bilal and Nyla secured second positions in the 75m sprint. Jayden achieved an impressive 3rd place in the high jump, and Martina finished 2nd in the 600m track race. Yusuf showcased his talent with a 2nd place win in javelin. The relay teams brought further glory to Sunmarke, with the girls’ relay team clinching the Gold Medal and the boys’ relay team securing the Silver Medal.
Principal Mr. Nicholas Rickford expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our Year 5 and 6 students have brought honour to Sunmarke School and exemplified the spirit of excellence that we foster. Their dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievements in the U11 British Schools in the Middle East Games are a testament to the passion of our students, the expert guidance of our physical education and academic staff, and the robustness of our sports programme. Congratulations to all our young athletes for their remarkable success.”
Under the guidance of Mr. David Campbell, Head of Primary PE, and Miss Andrea Higgins, Head of Primary, Sunmarke School’s young athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the competition. The school’s comprehensive sports programme, renowned for its emphasis on holistic development and competitive spirit, played a pivotal role in preparing the students for this challenging international event.
This victory at the BSME Games is a significant milestone for Sunmarke School, reflecting the institution’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically, creatively, and athletically. The school continues to build on its legacy of excellence, empowering students to achieve their fullest potential.