AIS Softball Team Competes in SEASAC Tournament in Bangkok
From March 21 to 24, 2024, the Australian International School’s (AIS) first softball team competed in the SEASAC Softball tournament in Bangkok, Thailand. This event brought together top international school teams from across Southeast Asia, challenging the AIS team with intense competition.
Tournament Highlights
Over the three-day tournament, the AIS team, made up of boys and girls from Years 9 to 12, played multiple games against some of the region’s strongest teams. Despite being relatively new to the sport, the team showed remarkable progress, advancing to the finals in their division.
In addition to the softball games, the trip offered students the chance to experience Bangkok’s vibrant culture. They explored local markets, tasted traditional Thai foods, and gained a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.
Skill Development
The tournament was more than just a series of games; it was a significant learning experience. The students developed crucial life skills, including independence, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience. Competing in an international setting and navigating a new environment helped them grow both personally and athletically.
Student Reflection: Holly, Year 11
Year 11 student Holly reflected on the trip, particularly the final game:
“My most memorable part of the trip was the last game because I felt like we had become such a strong team throughout the trip and the training leading up to it. During the final game, I saw our team’s growth and how much we had developed since we were just starting out. Even though we lost the last game, I considered it still a win because we were still new to the sport and we had come so far to even get into the finals for the plate.”
Holly also shared her key takeaway from the experience:
“Travelling away from Singapore to another country to represent our school in a sport that we were all still new to taught me team bonding skills and allowed me to strengthen, build, and create friendships with people who I wouldn’t have met without playing softball. This also taught me to build resilience and perseverance when playing teams that were a lot more experienced than us.”
Preparing Students for Future Challenges
The AIS softball team’s participation in the SEASAC tournament in Bangkok was a significant milestone in their athletic journey. The experience not only showcased their skill and determination but also provided invaluable lessons in teamwork and cultural understanding, preparing them for future challenges both on and off the field.
For more information about AIS please visit www.ais.com.sg