From challenges to triumphs, here is an inside perspective on the upcoming tournaments and the thriving sports community at SIS.
Who is Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström?
He is the sports director. His responsibilities are different from those of the PE department. His role is to organise activities before and after school hours. SIS currently offers a diverse selection of 14 after-school sports, participating in three leagues with Nordic and local schools.
Navigating Challenges: The Venue Dilemma
One of the challenges he faces is the scarcity of venues at the school. With an unfinished gym and a compact football pitch, securing suitable locations for events is a significant hurdle, leading the school to rent additional venues.
Striking a Balance: The Range of Extracurricular Sports
Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström is satisfied with the current range of extracurricular sports but suggests focusing on a few with broader participation. He acknowledges the disparities in team sizes, with some sports boasting 30-40 participants while others struggle with only five.
Prioritising Safety and Inclusivity
Addressing safety concerns, Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström says that the school follows established principles. Large or distant tournaments warrant hired security, while smaller events rely on the school’s security. First aid kits are always on standby to ensure the well-being of the students.
Accessible Opportunities: Costs and Requirements
Even though the aim is inclusiveness in the extracurricular sports, and all the sports are open to all, there are associated costs. These costs cover coaching expenses and venue rentals. Despite the financial aspects, the sports association operates on a non-profit basis, striving to break even and cover essential expenses.
Enriching the Educational Experience
Extracurricular sports align with the school’s values, promoting sportsmanship, friendship, and holistic well-being. Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström believes in providing students with opportunities to stay healthy and explore new avenues, aligning with the prominent tradition of after-school sports in Nordic countries.
Sporting Spectacles so far
In November, SIS teams have so far competed in football tournaments in Helsinki, where the junior girls came home with the gold. The senior boys cam first in the StockholmInternational Basketball League.
Coming up
March will witness the Nordic league basketball tournament hosted by SIS, followed by the senior league basketball tournament in Stavanger, Norway. May brings an international flavour with a badminton tournament in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Breaking Records and Embracing Growth
This year, SIS has shattered records with the highest number of student sign-ups for sports. Football, basketball, and badminton lead the way, contributing to an impressive increase from 160 to 220 participants. Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström is excited about the future, anticipating the acquisition of additional venues to accommodate the growing enthusiasm for sports at SIS.
That gives you a glimpse into the dynamic world of extracurricular sports at SIS. With challenges met head-on and a promising array of upcoming events, the school’s sports programs are flourishing under Mr. Hjalmarsson Fogelström dedicated leadership.
