More than 500 student-athletes and coaches from twenty-four international schools representing nine cities within the ACAMIS network came to XLIS to participate in the 2024 ACAMIS Jr. Swim Meet. This was the first time the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools, or ACAMIS as it is often referred to, held a sporting competition in China’s northwest region. As hosts, XLIS did not disappoint in showcasing the unique character of Xi’an city and its international community.
The planning for this event began in April 2024 in advance of the ACAMIS Spring Leadership Conference, which is when the hosts of the network’s sports tournaments are determined. With a distinctive long course 50m pool and a 600-seat observation gallery, the athletic and whole school leadership at XLIS viewed hosting a swim competition as an excellent way to showcase the school’s world class facilities and organizational capacity. Indeed, the other athletic and aquatics directors within the ACAMIS network were thrilled at the idea of bringing this event to XLIS and granted the school the rights to host the 2024 meet.
With eleven months to plan, the entire school community was mobilized for the event. This included the school’s athletics, resources, ICT, and admin departments, in addition to representatives from the secondary student council, PTA, and academic teaching staff. Truly, the ACAMIS Jr. Swim Meet became a community-driven event with input and contributions from all parts of the XLIS community. From airport pick-ups to snack booths and carnival games, XLIS staff, parents, and students were able to provide its visitors with an experience that created memories to last a lifetime.
The two days of competition were jam-packed with non-stop swimming action for student-athletes in the 9-10 and 11-12 age divisions. Each age group swam races that included freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, medley, and relays. The gallery was full of parents cheering on their children, with the group from the International School of Beijing bringing their own drums to liven up the atmosphere. Everyone at the swim meet was kept up to date with live results, whether it be via the LED screen above the pool, the Meet Mobile app, or the livestream with results overlay being cast into the student-athlete rest area.
The swim meet ended with an awards ceremony in the Blue Dragon Theatre where high point trophies were awarded for individuals from each age bracket and gender, as well as the overall team trophies for the top schools. Afterwards, all attendees participated in a social activity where XLIS staff members organized carnival games for the students and six food vendors offered a variety of different food options for dinner.
By all accounts, the 2024 ACAMIS Jr. Swim was a smashing success. Compliments came in from all attending schools, who noted the hospitality of the XLIS staff, the exceptional school facilities, and the smooth organization and operation of the event. Indeed, no higher compliment could have been given than that from two separate coaches who compared the meet to the World Aquatics Championships they have attended. With this event, XLIS manifested its vision lead education through innovation and a student-centered, community-driven approach.
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Author:
Zachary Dwyer (MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher, ACAMIS Athletics Coordinator)
