Behind Gold Medals: Excellence with Character 

“When I think of Phoenix Spirit, I think of the seniors who showed me the ropes when I was a freshman. And now as a captain, I think of my new teammates on the team, who support me between races, seek my advice, fetch water for each other, and care for each other through pre-race tension and post-race vulnerability.”   

—Joanna D. (G11), co-captain of Girls Track & Field team 

Yes, our athletic teams truly epitomize the Phoenix Spirit at Concordia! Sports and activities are integral to our school culture and a cornerstone of holistic education. We aim for our students' success, providing them with ample opportunities to develop and showcase their talents on the field, in the classrooms, and in various competitions. Rather than merely aiming for victory, our focus is on cultivating both excellence and character development. 

This year, our Girls and Boys Track & Field teams were unstoppable at the APAC meet, securing the first-place title for the girls for the second consecutive year and also winning the championship for the boys.  The girls’ team was also awarded the Sportsmanship Trophy, a recognition voted on by the other 11 competing international schools. More than the championship itself, this title is a point of pride as it underscores the team’s exemplary conduct and enduring spirit. 

“This shows that we can be the very best, but we also can do it with this significant character factor,” remarks Coach Mizel. “Our students encourage and cheer on other teams just as much as they do their own.”  

For our Track & Field teams, training is all about “effort, trust, and care,” fostering a winning combination of dedication, discipline, and camaraderie. Take for instance the story of Murangi M. (G9), a shy freshman and newcomer to the sport. With dedication and practice, along with encouragement from her teammates, she secured an impressive 9th place in javelin at her first APAC meet—a remarkable achievement and a clear demonstration of the team's supportive atmosphere.     

Our athletes also serve as mentors and buddies to our younger students. At the 2024 ACAMIS Track & Field meet in Suzhou, our high schoolers modeled excellence and sportsmanship for the 8th graders, advising and cheering them on throughout the competition. Together, the Concordia teams earned 18 Gold, 16 Silver, and six Bronze medals, while growing closer as a team. 

Our Track & Field teams do not shy away from hard work and persistence. The girls' team shows up for early morning practices even on non-scheduled days, and the boys continually push their limits. This season, Reece W. (G10) took on a bold challenge by entering a completely new lineup of events. In the triple jump—a discipline he only started this year—he narrowly missed the school record by just one centimeter, showcasing the incredible progress he's made in such a short time. 

Sophie Q. (G11), co-captain of the Girls team, sums it up: “During setbacks, I remind the team that we need to trust in the process and the work we have put in will give us promising results. In times of victories, celebrating our successes is extremely important, however it is also important to stay humble.”  

"Many students express that one of the reasons they enjoy playing sports at Concordia is that we focus on more than just winning and losing. We emphasize sportsmanship and character development," says Mr. Matt MacInnes, Director of Activities and Sport. "We really try to focus on the life lessons our students learn through their participation in sports."   

Learning to be a good teammate, handling setbacks with grace, and taking on roles that may not be your first choice are all important life lessons that go beyond the sports field. Through these experiences, Concordia’s activities and sport program nurtures not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of life.