The Roar of the Crowd: Celebrating Athletic Excellence and Community Spirit at Horizon

Almas Yeskenov
Nov 8
3 min read

Fall 2025 will be remembered as a season of adrenaline, endurance, and electric atmosphere at Horizon Japan International School. For two unforgettable Saturdays, our campus transformed into an arena of friendly rivalry, where the sound of sneakers squeaking on the gym floor and cheers echoing from the rooftop brought us all together.

From the 15-meter dashes of our youngest students to the intense volleyball spikes of our seniors, this year’s sports festivals were a testament to the power of athletics to unite students, parents, and teachers alike.

Here is the highlight reel of our 2025 Sports Season.

Primary Sports Day: Pure Energy and Determination

October 4th, 2025

The season kicked off with the Primary Sports Day, a high-energy event that saw the school divided into the classic Red vs. White rivalry. The day began with the unison of Radio Taiso, preparing our young athletes for a packed schedule of physical challenges.

For our Early Years and Primary students, this wasn't just play time—it was a display of genuine athletic grit. Students showcased their speed in the 15m and 20m Sprints, their agility in the Obstacle Race, and their coordination in the Ball Carry and Egg and Spoon Relays.

The excitement reached its peak during the team events. The Bamboo Relay and Big Ball Race required synchronized movement, while the Tug of War tested raw strength. Seeing the students push their limits, cheered on by a roaring crowd of parents and families, created an atmosphere of pure joy and motivation.

Key Events Included:

Speed: 15m/20m Races, Obstacle Race, Shuttle Relay.
Coordination: Scarf Game, Basket Toss, 3-legged Race.
Teamwork: Partner Relay, Ball Collect Relay, Group Jump Rope.

You can find more photos from the Primary Sports day here.

Secondary Sports Festival: The Battle for the Trophy

November 1st, 2025

On the first Saturday of November, the intensity dialed up as the Secondary division took the field. The student body was split into four competitive houses—Nova, Peeko, Rusty, and Ash—turning the gym and rooftop into battlegrounds for points and pride.

This was a showcase of versatility. Students had to switch gears quickly, moving from the tactical precision required in Futsal and Volleyball to the rhythm and stamina needed for the Long Jump Rope. The Basketball Shooting contest tested nerves under pressure, while the Obstacle Course Race and Running Relay demanded explosive speed.

The Champions The competition remained tight throughout the day, with every team having their moment to shine. However, after the final points were tallied, Team Nova emerged as the 2025 Champions! A huge congratulations to them for their victory.

See the Action! Catch the highlights, the goals, and the victories here: Watch the Secondary Sports Festival Video

More Than Just a Game: Bonding Through Sport

While the medals and trophies are exciting, the true success of these festivals was the incredible bonding that happened through sport. Athletics has a unique way of breaking down barriers, and this year, everyone got involved.

Fueling the Team The PTA was the MVP of the sidelines, organizing a "food charge station" in the cafeteria. This didn't just keep our athletes fueled with snacks; it served a greater purpose. All funds raised from the station have been pledged to sponsor our school sports teams, directly investing in the future of athletics at Horizon.

The Ultimate Showdown: Parents vs. Staff The Secondary festival concluded with the ultimate test of strength and community spirit. After the students finished their grade-level Tug of War, the parents stepped onto the court to face off against the staff.

It was a highlight of the year—a moment where titles were set aside, and the only thing that mattered was pulling together on the rope. It was filled with laughter, friendly heckling, and a shared sense of belonging.

You can see more photos from the Secondary Sports Fest here.

Go Hawks! Thank you to every runner, jumper, parent-cheerleader, and organizer who made these days possible. We are already looking forward to next year!