Activities and Sport Weekly Update - Feb. 6

APAC & JPAC
JPAC Basketball in Beijing

JV Basketball JPAC was an incredible display of growth, grit, and heart from our teams. They were placed in high-pressure situations throughout the event, competing in close, hard-fought games that demanded grit, resilience, and teamwork.

On the girls' side, the opening game went into overtime, testing their composure and effort, while the second came down to the final minute, ending in a narrow three-point loss. The tournament concluded with a heart-racing third-place game decided by a buzzer-beater shot by the opponent, dropping us into the 4th place spot.

The JV boys’ team had solid season’s worth of growth and reflection on what it means to be a strong team. There were some tough games where it was difficult for young players to have faith in our process. Our team was mostly grade 8’s along with two grade 9’s and several teams we played throughout the year had grade 11 students on them, so between the lack of experience and the age gap we went into most games as the underdogs. However, we were able to get hard fought wins during SISAC and JPAC. The team seemed to believe in the importance of working hard, being positive with teammates, and clear communication. During the heat of the battle, it wasn’t always easy to stick together and stay the course, but the coaches were proud of the improvements of all our athletes. We received compliments from other coaches during the JPAC tournament about our athletes, well done gentlemen!

Through it all, the Concordia JV Basketball teams showed determination, kept their cool under pressure, supported one another as teammates, and learned powerful lessons about effort, perseverance, and performing in stressful environments—lessons that will go beyond the shot clock and basketball court.

Super APAC Basketball (Vietnam & Beijing)
In a season defined by growth and resilience, the Varsity Boys basketball team exceeded expectations during a rebuilding year, and delivered a strong performance at the APAC tournament. The team finished the season with over 10 wins and consistently demonstrated a team-first mindset both in practice and competition. At APAC, the boys competed at a high level, earning two tournament victories and narrowly missing several others by just a few points. We would also like to recognize our senior leaders, Alan and Morris, whose leadership and work ethic helped set the standard for the program and lay a strong foundation for the future. We are proud of this group of student-athletes and excited about what lies ahead.

Concordia's Varsity Girls Basketball team finished Super APAC in Vietnam with a 4-2 record. Although we lost a close match with Brent (who went on to finish as the overall the runner up), our best performance of the tournament was a loss. Elli W. was awarded with an All-APAC award for her outstanding play. The growth and development of the girls' basketball program over the past few years, and we're grateful to our seniors for all of their leadership and contributions over the years. Once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix!

APAC Swimming (at SAS Pudong)

The Concordia swim team had a strong showing at this year’s APAC competition, with four swimmers advancing to finals, the most the team has seen in recent years. Bella W. and Eric D. led the way with solid individual performances, finishing fifth in the 100m breaststroke and seventh in the 100m backstroke. Bella’s swim was especially memorable, as she broke a varsity school record that had been in place for ten years. The boys’ medley relay team, with Eric D., Brandon Z., Carey T., and Nathaniel H., also had a standout moment, breaking a school record that had stood for nine years.

Just as meaningful as the results was the way the team supported one another throughout the meet. Both relay teams reached the finals, with the boys’ team of Carey T., Eric D., Brandon Z., and Kobe C. finishing fifth in the 4x50 freestyle, and the girls’ team of Bella W., Bethany C., Winnie L., and Rebecca Z. finishing eighth. Between races, swimmers could be seen cheering from the sidelines and encouraging their teammates, reflecting a strong sense of unity within the group. Each race showed steady progress and pointed toward a positive future for Concordia swimming.

APAC Table Tennis at Concordia

Thank you to all of the Activities & Sport Department, Boosters, Operations, MarCom, and our supporting teachers, staff and students on making APAC Table Tennis on campus such a positive experience for those involved. With over 1500 matches played on campus, it was a tiring yet exciting competition. Congratulations to Concordia's boys on winning a Spirit of APAC award, to the girls team on finishing 2nd overall, and to Sean on making it to the Boys Singles final and finishing in second place! Go Phoenix!

Visual Arts Trial
On January 28th, three of our NAHS students came together with two NAHS students from SAS Puxi. Last Year, in January, Iris L. came up with an innovative idea: creating a visual art magazine for participating APAC schools. The hope was that this would set the stage for the visual arts to achieve representation within APAC. Concordia students worked together with the SAS Puxi students to complete the final edits for what they are calling "The Art Beat," in which nine APAC schools have submitted student artwork to be featured in this inaugural publication.

Congratulations to Iris L., Rita Z., and Sparrow Y. for bringing this vision to life and putting in the work needed to make it happen. These Concordia students have done something historical, and our hope is that it leads to the visual arts moving from a pilot to an official APAC activity in the future.

VEX Robotics
ACAMIS National VEX Robotics Finals are on campus today and tomorrow. Stop by the HS or PC Gym to catch the action!

Phoenix Friday

Season three is here! With tryouts underway this week, teams will have some practice under their belt ahead of the Chinese New Year break. The first week back from break is Phoenix Friday, to involve Middle School as well as High School teams this year. See full details below!