CLASS OF 2020
ISSEA NEWSLETTER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS OF SOUTHERN & EASTERN AFRICA
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR WELCOME Dear ISU Community, Welcome to a very special edition of the ISU Sports newsletter. The Athletic Department would like to introduce a new annual tradition by acknowledging our beloved seniors who have taken part in ISSEA with a senior tribute newsletter at the end of each school year. Our department thought it would be a great way to highlight our amazing senior athletes at ISU. As a community, we all realize the challenges of being a competitive student athlete in ISSEA. Athletics, arts and academics have a strong relationship at ISU and our students work extremely hard inside and outside the classroom. We all know that we are here to learn together to unlock the opportunities of a changing world and nothing embodies our school mission more than the ISSEA organisation. Each year the schools from across Africa come together in various events in order to compete, strive for greatness, build closer relationships and represent our schools to the highest level. Our class of 2020 exemplify this consistent effort as they have taken part in countless ISSEA events across the African continent. All of our seniors would enthusiastically tell you that ISSEA has been an influential part of their high school career and that those memories will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Our student athletes have all faced the challenges and glory that ISSEA provides whether that be a heart wrenching loss to achieving their personal bests. In addition, ISSEA demands all of the core principles of the IB program. Students
must work towards and build upon many attributes to be successful during these international competitions. They must challenge themselves and be risk takers while focusing on the life skills of respect, empathy and communication. Our ISU Seniors have done a phenomenal job over the years and they have made everyone incredibly proud. Seniors, as you transition from senior school to college, we at ISU do not want you to forget some of the memories you have had over the years. We hope that when faced with a difficult situation in your future, you think back to those challenging practices and moments when you not only worked with your teammates to overcome an obstacle but you found it within yourself to go above and beyond. We wish you nothing but the best and know we at ISU will always remember you. Yours in Sport, John Zahara ISU Athletic Director 2018-2020
“Each year the schools from across Africa come together in various events in order to compete, strive for greatness, build closer relationships and represent our schools to the highest level.” WE ASKED OUR CLASS OF 2020 THE FOLLOWING:
1. What does ISSEA mean to you? 2. What has been your greatest achievement or highlight during your ISSEA career? 3. What will you miss most about ISSEA? 4. What advice would you give to the younger generation of ISSEA athletes at ISU?
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 1
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
ALICE DE GRAEVE ISSEA means passion, teamwork, and school spirit. ISSEA is something to do when you find something you love, and you want to share it with the world. ISSEA means creating such a tight-knit bond with the people from your school or your team that it seems crazy that you never used to talk to them. ISSEA means passion because, after it all: the end of the tournament or the last game, you leave crying because you left everything on the field. ISSEA means screaming your lungs out to cheer on your team. It means wearing ISU colours with pride. It means making unforgettable memories. My greatest achievement during my ISSEA career is going into ISSEA Rugby and getting a bronze medal even though we had just had one year of training. Although a close second comes to ISSEA Ambassadoring and that was keeping ISSEA Tennis on time because as we all know that was hectic.
What I will miss the most is the team bond I created with all my wonderful rugby players because we all put so much effort into the training and the games. What used to be a team became a small family. First and most importantly, do not give up. It may sound like a cliché, but seriously if you love doing something do not give up because the hard work will pay off. Second, and this only applies to team games, trust your team because they will have your back when it comes down to it. Last but not least, do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone because it's only when you push yourself a little that great things happen.
What used to be a team became a small family.
“ISSEA means screaming your lungs out to cheer on your team.”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 2
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
AMANI OCHIENG ISSEA means a lot to me because I grew up around it. From watching ISU win ISSEA football when I was in junior school, hosting athletes when ISSEA basketball came around to participating and travelling myself, I have made friends for life and had a once in a lifetime experience travelling around Africa and playing the sports that I love. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT My second football ISSEA in 9th grade, the team came 3rd, I worked hard and played every game and I not only travelled with my brother and dad, but my best friends on the team. WHAT WILL YOU MISS The atmosphere, all the love between the students. Always have fun. As Anthony Joshua says 'Don't let the failure get to your heart, don't let success get to your head.'
AMRE PROMAN
“Always have fun. As Anthony Joshua says 'Don't let the failure get to your heart, don't let success get to your head.'” ISSEA means the excitement of new people, the weariness of a long day, the sorrow of saying goodbye at the end, and the memories that remain. My greatest highlight was coming third place in ISSEA rugby, and feeling the joy of walking onto the stage at the end knowing that I had put my all into that tournament and that the team had really given their all on the pitch. I will miss the people the most. From the visiting athletes, to the fellow competitors, to teammates, administrators and hosts, those interactions with other people really made the experience what it was for me and I will sincerely miss all of the people who I've met and all of those chances to meet even more people. For younger athletes, train hard and give the most to the sport, that is the only way to get the most out of it in the end. Also keep in mind
For younger athletes, train hard and give the most to the sport, that is the only way to get the most out of it in the end. Also keep in mind that, especially for explicitly team sports, you don't have to go it alone, and the joy of ISSEA is the joy of camaraderie that comes with the people who you surround yourself with. For aspiring ambassadors, know that there is a lot to take in, and a lot of work to do, but helping to make such a complex and chaotic event run smoothly can be one of the most rewarding experiences. "ISSEA means the excitement of new people, the weariness of a long day, the sorrow of saying goodbye at the end, and the memories that remain."
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 3
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
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AUGUSTO KOHN ISSEA to me is a way for you to learn and develop new skills in sports you enjoy, but more importantly, it's a way to meet more people who have a common interest with you, which leads to making new friends and maybe learning a thing or two from one another. My greatest achievement for any ISSEA has to be this year, in track and field, when I got a medal for an individual activity, triple jump, instead of getting one from a team activity, because it felt more genuine and more deserved. What I will most miss about ISSEA is making new friendships, with people I would have never met otherwise. One piece of advice is that you should choose to do events or sports that you genuinely enjoy so that you will want to train more often. My second piece of advice is, always warm-up, no matter how tedious it is.
"What I will most miss about ISSEA is making new friendships, with people I would have never met otherwise."
DAVID SILVA From my perspective, ISSEA is more about connections and not so much the competition. It is a chance for students to make connections with people outside their regular friend groups, while embracing new cultures.
reconnecting with friends who I met in other ISSEAs. It was having trouble fitting in and ISSEA gave me an escape from that. I was even able to reconnect with my best friend who I have known since second grade!
I am not a competitive person, but I think my greatest achievement was being able to participate in the swim competition. I had never before done any kind of sports competition and I started at square one and picked up really quickly.
You don't need to be competitive - just go to have fun! Talk to people. Go out of your comfort zone.
I will miss the social aspect the most. I really enjoyed meeting new people and
“You don't need to be competitive - just go to have fun!”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 4
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
CARLO SILVA ISSEA means a lot to me. Long lasting friendships, experiencing something different, discovering a new talent, and just having fun. My first ISSEA was band and Choir in 2019, where I won an award for best musical composition. Track and Field: This was a milestone for me as it was my first sports event like this. I think my most significant accomplishment was the endurance that I managed to have for the brutal cross country, as well as achieving my personal best in terms of time for something I haven't done before (400m hurdles). Swimming: I joined the team last minute where I had almost no experience and I improved so much in such little time. I am proud of my achievements in the swimming competition and I have picked up a new sport where I will continue practicing and improving.
“The people from ISSEA were true friends to me. They were there to bring me up.” I miss everything. The whole experience. But I think what I miss the most about ISSEA is the people. I've met such amazing people in each ISSEA, sometimes even reuniting with long time friends. The people from ISSEA were true friends to me. They were there to bring me up. They helped me finish the hardest physical challenge of my life. They were such fun people. There is such an awesome vibe during an ISSEA event. I wish I could experience all of them again. I'd say for anyone doubting if they should go, just go. Or else you will miss out on such great opportunities to meet people and to improve yourself in so many ways. It was totally worth it and because of ISSEA, I am now a more developed person. It will only make the earning experience at ISU more complete. For those who want to try something new but are still unsure about going, it doesn't hurt to commit. Because it is not about winning. It is about experiencing. Don't be afraid to mess up. Let ISSEA be a chance to have fun and experience something different, make friends, and maybe even pick up a skill you've had no interest in before going. There is so much more to say about ISSEA, but for all of these reasons, just go and have fun.
ISSEA means a lot to me. Long lasting friendships, experiencing something different, discovering a new talent, and just having fun.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 5
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
CHRISTINE FISSEHA A family of its own. From training with your team, long bus rides, fun airplane rides, emotional rollercoaster tournaments, and laughs with people from all over Africa, ISSEA builds your character. It broadens your friendships, and taps into emotions and physicality you did not know you had. ISSEA to me as cliche as it may seem - means laughter, lifelong bonds, teamwork, strength, tenacity …. It's family; one I know I will miss and one that truly made my high school experience one of a kind.
Being the one to bring the ball up court in the last few seconds of my last ISSEA game ever. All the seniors stopped before the buzzer and started hugging.
WHAT WILL YOU MISS The emotional. It's so hard to explain to someone the feeling of loosing or winning a quarter final. The ecstatic energy when you get a buzzer shot. The crowd uncontrollably cheering when you spike right in the other team. The unexplainable tears flowing down your Being captain of one of the youngest face when the buzzer goes off for your teams to place third and win fair play last game. The anger in the locker room for Volleyball in a long time after loosing by a hair. The anger of Back to back MVP for two years for having to do suicides. The sickness from ISSEA Basketball and Volleyball some trainings. The love for your team. Three time - back to back - winners of The bond with your coaches. The ISSAK volleyball (corona stopped us excitement you feel when other teams from possibly getting my last and win. Its a shared and beautiful emotional fourth one) ride and I will miss sharing that with Getting fouled in the last second on others. the three point line in an ISSAK game versus KISU. Got all three free-throws Don’t give up. I started ISSEA in 7th grade in winning us overtime! and was more or less benched up till I Winning ISSAK Basketball my senior was in 9th grade. I spent my time training year for the first time in about 4 or 5 and learning from those older than me. years So much so that I become captain by
ISSEA to me - as cliche as it may seem - means laughter, lifelong bonds, teamwork, strength, tenacity …. It's family
10th grade. Most people get frustrated when they don’t start games, but honestly take that time to learn. See how the players control their emotions, control the game, control the players. Don't give up! It's not embarrassing to sit out a whole game, it's just a part of the journey. Soon you’re also going to be asked to step out of your comfort zone by, for example, taking up a position you are not familiar with… take it and give it all you got - it may have secretly been your calling all along!Lastly, take part in the process of organising an ISSEA if your school ever hosts one. I helped tremendously with Soccer, Tennis, and Rugby and it really helped me appreciate the planning that takes place to coordinate an event and you just learn to love the whole process even more.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 6
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
DHRUV JAIN ISSEA is more than just a tournament to me, it's like a second family! The hospitality and generosity of the hosts that house us and the kindness of all the staff and teachers that make ISSEA such a success. It starts straight from the tryouts on the first day to getting into a plane with your friends and coaches later coming back with golden trophies and medals. It's not only about winning and losing but learning from the experience and showing perseverance towards a sport you love and enjoy playing. ISSEA is a place to make new friends that help you strive to make a better you, it's not just for sports but a community that stays united. My first and best achievement is certainly winning the MVP trophy because not only did it acknowledge all the effort I put into the practices I went to after school but aided me in showing my active role in the team. Secondly,
coming first in our set for Volleyball! I remember everyone being extremely proud and shocked that we were first in our set and it really took a lot of hard work as a team to achieve it. Thirdly, ISSEA is not only about sports, having a chance to help Coach Z organise ISSEA swimming was a special moment for me. It was a learning experience and also taught me time management and organisation. Lastly, being an ambassador for several ISSEA helped me get involved with several student-athletes and I was able to show my commitment to the community.
ISSEA is more than just a tournament to me, it's like a second family!
I will miss my teammates and coaches for sure because they are the ones that made ISSEA happen for me. I will miss visiting all the different countries and different schools and learning about their culture. I will miss the training after school as well as the party on the last day of ISSEA. Keep pushing yourself because through the years you keep getting better and that's the magic of ISSEA
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDAÂ |Â 7
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
JARED BOUDREAU ISSEA to me is about team building. Working with your teammates weekly to achieve a common goal.
My greatest achievement is being selected for the all-tournament team in this past years ISSEA basketball. I am going to miss the high level of competition. Two teams against each other who desperately want to win. Its going to be hard to recreate.
Love the work, love each and every practice. Look forward to competing and getting better as an individual and as a team.
Love the work, love each and every practice. Look forward to competing and getting better as an individual and as a team.
JORDAN KAKUYO
out and give it your best and leave everything on the court is truly a great feeling.
Over the last 7 years, I have participated in 8 ISSEAs and I like to think that I have made the best use of my time. I don’t mean to sound cliché but to me, ISSEA is more than just a competition, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and the communities around you. Maybe it’s because I’ve never personally placed higher than 4th place but I also found it to be quite humbling, it’s shown me what hard work looks like and what I need to do to get there. From drama to basketball I’ve found myself bonding with people who I’d never even imagine speaking to.
Probably my greatest achievement would be placing fourth place at ISSEA volleyball in 2019 after coming seventh place the year before. On top of that, I was the captain of the team that year, made the all-tournament team and it was only my second year of playing volleyball outside of PE.
If I could give any advice to younger ISSEA athletes, just go for it, live in the moment. When I was younger I struggled to come out of my shell, all the way up until my junior year and this affected how I played quite a bit. Don’t be like me and wait until your senior season to play your heart out, cause looking back on it now, I keep asking myself what if. I’d also say try and go to as many ISSEAs as you can, they really are a great opportunity to make new friends and meet new people. I think what I’ll probably miss the most about ISSEA is the competition itself, it’s THE event that every student-athlete looks forward to. Especially as a senior knowing that this may very well be your last chance to play competitively, just being able to go
“ISSEA is more than just a competition, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and the communities around you.”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 8
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
KAI MOORE ISSEA is an opportunity to meet new people, see new places, and learn how to work hard towards a goal alongside your team. When an ISSEA event comes around, you make memories that you cannot make anywhere else, and probably won’t forget.
Work as hard as you can. Do not make excuses to slack off. Enjoy what you do as well. When competition time comes, take it seriously, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself and socialize. Make sure you do not leave ISSEA with any regrets, and if it isn’t your last ISSEA, do not be too hard on My greatest highlights of my ISSEA career yourself for underachieving, and instead are winning U16 rugby when I was still with use it for motivation for the next one. And ICS and winning the 4x100m relay with the of course, keep in touch with the people ISU team here. I also enjoyed getting closer you meet, because your friendship with with some of my teammates and friends. them will become stronger as you see them at more events, and it’s always nice to see I will definitely miss the people I have been a familiar face. on teams with especially the track team. “Nothing brings Nothing brings you closer together than a 2 you closer together hour sprint training. The support I have received during competitions and training than a 2 hour is also something I will miss. sprint training.”
LILIANA SILVER
To me, ISSEA is the culmination of a seasons’ worth of hard work and the guarantee that I’ll lose my voice by the end of each season. It’s also meant that I get to reunite with my friends and step out of my comfort zone for a while. A huge highlight was when the ISU girls’ team won second place in Ethiopia 2018. Everyone had worked so hard to earn that and we’d taken a lot of points from my old team. This was my first time competing for ISU so this was a nice highlight and a really nice way to enjoy my past and present teams. Also the young runners were so excited with their great first performances! Seeing so many friends and familiar faces. And the school spirit, and all the cheering, and being very exhausted and really excited to do it all over again the next year.
Don’t be shy, talk to people, engage with the ISSEA community and enjoy the perspective and experiences it brings you. Put all of your effort into it and don’t bring too much homework - you really won’t do it.
Don’t be shy, talk to people, engage with the ISSEA community and enjoy the perspective and experiences it brings you.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 9
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
MARTHA LUI ISSEA has been a great opportunity for me to showcase my athletic capacity and determination. ISSEA HIGHLIGHT Captaining the 2020 ISSEA girls rugby. They have been my one absolute pride and joy through my entire athletic career. WHAT WILL YOU MISS Being able to build connections and grow with a team regardless of grade, age, capacity, strengths, and weaknesses.
Anybody and everybody is capable of being an asset to a team.
Anybody and everybody is capable of being an asset to a team. Everyone may be different in one way or another, but every man counts so don't shy away from the opportunity to get involved.
MATHIAS MEBRAT ISSEA is more than a sport event that requires your all. To me ISSEA was a monumental part of high school and a pillar that holds my life up. Not only in the aspect of keeping up my physical but my mental as well. Throughout my 3 years I have made lifelong friends from other schools and had the privilege of bonding with those I do not usually align with during normal school days. I was able to see the culture of other people and compare with mine and that is something I will hold dearly. I see it helped me grow into a more rounded person and gave me memories I will never forget especially for the unending Post-ISSEA depression which I still am recovering from!
ISSEA HIGHLIGHTS Making Friends Setting and Surpassing Personal Goals. Getting A medal Having Fun every moment of the ISSEA WHAT WILL YOU MISS My ISSEA friends and the first look you give your friends after not having seen them for months. It's more than just a sporting event be sure to make it worthwhile as you never will experience something like an ISSEA
“It's more than just a sporting event...” INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 10
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
SARA BALDWIN I see it as a chance to discipline yourself for an extended period of time and work towards a significant goal. Going to ISSEA isn't a small thing, but going and doing well is even harder. So how the tournament ends up is entirely up to you, and how willing you are to train. ISSEA HIGHLIGHTS All Star for Rugby both years ISSEA silver 4x100 relay for 3 years straight Our second to last match (ISSEA rugby 2020) ICS vs ISU :) ISSEA basketball watching the boys play against ISK!! ISSEA gold 4x400 relay in Mozambique WHAT WILL YOU MISS Being able to compete internationally and interact with other kids our age who train and love sport(s) as much as we do!
Ask yourself what you really want to take away from the experience, because in the end only one team can leave in first place. My most memorable races and games didn't end up with a medal or an award and I think that's part of what makes ISSEA so great.
“My most memorable races and games didn't end up with a medal or an award and I think that's part of what makes ISSEA so great.”
ZHENING HU (VICTOR) ISSEA means an escape from reality into a place closer to my dreams. Where I can enjoy what I want to enjoy without the typical worries. There is never really a space in the classroom or everyday school for me to just have fun. But at ISSEA, I can do just that, and feel good on top of it.
fine to be scared of the powerhouse teams. But remember why you joined ISSEA, and know that you'll never forgive yourself unless you try your best.
ISSEA HIGHLIGHT Finishing in 3rd place at robotics at ISSEA STEM 2018
ISSEA means an escape from reality into a place closer to my dreams.
I'll miss failing or getting in a pinch with everyone. To me the best part of ISSEA aren't the victories but the setbacks on the way. You’ll hear a lot about ISU’s sports teams throughout ISSEA. It's fine to consider what other schools think about ISU and it's
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 11
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
YOMNI MAKONNEN ISSEA for me is an opportunity to have something to work towards and then ultimately test myself in a friendly environment that allows me to not only meet others but also learn from other people and develop new friendships and skills. Our 2016 and 2017 girls 100m freestyle and 50m medley team were very strong and continuously broke our personal records. Working as an ambassador for several ISSEA's and then serving as the head of ambassadors in my final year was also a great experience that taught me a lot about the technicalities behind holding an ISSEA event, as well as organisation, time management and problem-solving.
I will definitely miss having a chance to interact with and compete with people from all around the world and being part of this international sporting community. Work really hard. It pays off and feels amazing to go to a different country, or host different countries and represent your school and country well. But make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself, try to meet as many people as possible!
I will definitely miss having a chance to interact with and compete with people from all around the world...
“ISSEA for me is an opportunity to have something to work towards and then ultimately test myself...”
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UGANDA | 12
ISSEA NEWSLETTER 2019-20
ISU PROFILE
ALICE AOL Coming together as one big family to compete with fun, laughter, tears of joy and sadness. To overcome obstacles as one and to make new friendships throughout the process. ISSEA HIGHLIGHTS Running cross country in 8th grade. Coming third in ISSEA volleyball with only 6 players Changing from the underarm serve to the overhead serve
Coming together as one big family to compete with fun, laughter, tears of joy and sadness.
I will miss the team cheers from different schools supporting you even though you will play them next. Always have fun even after you have had a rough start.
ISU STUDENTS WITH HALIMAH NAKAAYI, 800M WORLD CHAMPION
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