Sportsmanship and Smiles: Inaugural BIBS · CAL Tournament

Over 670 students and staff from all eight BASIS China schools gathered in Shenzhen for the inaugural BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China Athletics League (BIBS • CAL) Tournament. Hosted by BASIS International School Shenzhen and co-hosted by BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen, the event brought together student-athletes from our campuses in Chengdu, Futian (Shenzhen), Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Park Lane Harbour, Shekou (Shenzhen), and Wuhan.

BIBS • CAL is structured into two divisions—the Southern Conference (Guangzhou, Park Lane Harbour, and Shenzhen) and the Northern Conference (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Wuhan)—which organize middle and high school athletic competitions between BASIS China member schools. This year marked the first time the northern and southern conferences united for a single tournament, fulfilling the vision of a comprehensive, network-wide sports event.

The event was an impressive display of sportsmanship and athletic prowess, spanning three venues across Shenzhen, with each participating school fielding eight teams across four sports.

Middle School Volleyball

The volleyball tournament was a true highlight—the boys teams battled fiercely, demonstrating determination and grit, while the girls games showcased sportsmanship and unity. After five intense games for each team, BASIS International School Shenzhen emerged as the winner in both the boys and girls divisions.

Middle School Swimming

The swimming event flowed seamlessly, thanks to the integration of technology, which included automated starts and electronic timing. BASIS swimmers cut through the water with remarkable professionalism and technical skill in forty-four competitive races. BASIS International School Shenzhen, fielding the largest squad, claimed the overall swimming title in both the boys and girls categories.

High School Basketball

BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen hosted the boys and girls high school basketball tournaments, bringing together the northern and southern BASIS · China schools in a spirited celebration of sportsmanship. The event showcased the talents of BASIS athletes and awarded 16 all-star medals to the top three teams. One coach hailed the event’s success, saying, “Basketball was the winner today.” BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour swept the gold medals, with BASIS International School Hangzhou securing two runner-up prizes. BASIS International School Shenzhen claimed third place in the boys competition and BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu secured third place in the girls competition.

High School Soccer

The boys and girls soccer tournaments unfolded under brilliant sunshine at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Both competitions culminated in thrilling penalty shoot-outs, with BASIS International School Shenzhen girls and BASIS International School Guangzhou boys prevailing as the champions. Every athlete who participated demonstrated admirable respect and sportsmanship towards their opponents, enriching the spirit of the games.

Crowning Achievements

Congratulations to BASIS International School Shenzhen for winning the coveted 2024 overall tournament champion title. As the first school to be crowned the BIBS • CAL champion, they set a high standard for future competitions.

The BIBS • CAL Tournament was a resounding success, marked by countless smiles, new friendships, and notable sporting achievements. While the final scores highlight the victorious teams, the true essence of this tournament was the sheer fun and joy shared by both staff and students as they united to strengthen the bonds of the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China community.