Sporting Success: BIS HCMC Students Rose to the Challenge - SISAC
WRITTEN BY
BIS HCMC
03 July, 2025

Sporting Success: BIS HCMC primary students rose to the challenge during the final SISAC season of the academic year

Sporting Success: BIS HCMC Students Rose to the Challenge - SISAC
Under 11 Basketball, Tee ball and Table Tennis teams showcased skill, spirit and resilience at SISAC fixtures

The Saigon International Schools Athletic Conference (SISAC) is a sporting network of 13 international schools across Ho Chi Minh City.

With a mission to develop well-rounded student-athletes, SISAC provides structured, age-appropriate competitions and league opportunities throughout the year. These events not only promote physical development and teamwork, but also uphold values such as ethical play, sportsmanship and respect.

Through SISAC, students, coaches and even parents benefit from a strong emphasis on professional growth, all guided by a shared commitment to fairness, consistency and excellence in school sport.

During season three, the final of the year, from basketball courts to tee ball fields and even the table tennis arena, BIS HCMC Primary students embraced every opportunity to put their training into action—demonstrating leadership, perseverance and outstanding athletic prowess at every turn.

U11 Basketball City Championships: Rising to the Occasion

The recent U11 City Championships marked an exciting milestone for BIS HCMC as both our girls’ and boys’ basketball teams delivered standout performances, demonstrating teamwork, resilience and a clear passion for the game.

U11 Girls Make History

This year was particularly special for our U11 Girls, as BIS HCMC entered three teams into the competition for the very first time—and the results were nothing short of incredible. From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, the girls played with determination, discipline and unwavering team spirit.

Every player contributed to the teams' success, while also building confidence, friendships and a deepened love for the sport.

“Our girls showed such skill, resilience and support for one another throughout the season. They played with heart and pride every step of the way,” said Ann Harvey, Head of Primary PE. “To walk away as City Champions and see all three teams perform so well is a testament to their dedication and teamwork. The future of our basketball programme is very bright!”

U11 Girls Basketball City Championship Results:

  • U11 Girls A – City Champions 

  • U11 Girls B – 4th place

  • U11 Girls C – 4th place

U11 Boys Deliver Strong Performances

Meanwhile, our U11 Boys teams also rose to the challenge across multiple tournaments. At the BIS-hosted City Championships, BIS Green and BIS Yellow battled it out in an exhilarating opening match—BIS Green clinching victory by just one point, thanks to a composed final-second shot from Chinh. Throughout the event, the teams showcased growing tactical awareness and resilience against strong opposition, including a dominant SSIS side.

BIS Green secured an impressive second-place finish, with BIS Yellow close behind in third. MVP honours were shared between Liam (BIS Yellow) and Tuan Kiet (BIS Green), while Skill Awards went to Vinhson (BIS Yellow) and Chinh (BIS Green) for their consistent impact.

“Over at the AIS-hosted tournament, our U11 Blue team also impressed,” shared Mr Stuart Hanlon, Assistant Head of Primary PE. “They opened with a commanding win and then faced a tightly contested second match, narrowly missing out by just one basket. Undeterred, they rallied with fantastic teamwork and determination to secure a well-earned third place. Special recognition goes to Takanobu, who received the Spirit Award, and to Moss, who earned the Skill Award for several standout performances.”

Rounding off the week, the U11 Boys Red team took on the city’s top teams in Pool A of the Championship. Competing at the highest level, they displayed outstanding teamwork and discipline, finishing second overall—a proud moment for players, coaches and the wider BIS community.

U11 Boys Basketball City Championship Results:

  • U11 Boys A – 2nd place

  • U11 Boys B – 3rd place

  • U11 Boys C – 3rd place

  • U11 Boys D – 2nd place

Teeball City Championships: Building Experience and Confidence

Later in the season, our tee ball teams took to the field at the SISAC City Championships—an event that brought together schools from across the city for a fun, energetic and competitive day of sport.

In the Championship League, BIS A and BIS C delivered spirited performances, showing clear improvements in both confidence and coordination. BIS A fought hard throughout the day and earned a well-deserved third-place finish, while BIS C played with heart and consistency to finish just behind in fourth. Meanwhile, BIS B participated in the Plate League, finishing fourth after a day of determined play.

“Our teeball teams took to the field with great enthusiasm and team spirit,” shared Mr Stuart Hanlon. “They gained valuable experience against some strong competition, and it was encouraging to see growing confidence and coordination—particularly from BIS A and BIS C, who secured third and fourth place respectively in the Championship League. For BIS B, the tournament was a great learning opportunity, highlighting areas like batting awareness and sharper fielding execution. With continued practice, I have no doubt our students will come back stronger than ever.”

These SISAC tournaments gave students the chance to apply their PE learning in real-world settings, experiencing first-hand the values of commitment, resilience and teamwork.

Teeball City Championship Results:

  • U11 A – 3rd place

  • U11 B – 4th place

  • U11 C – 4th place

  • U11 D – 4th place

U11 Mixed Table Tennis: Team A and Team B Shone Bright

Adding to the season’s successes, our U11 Mixed Table Tennis Team A and Team B proudly represented BIS HCMC at the City Championships. Each team—made up of six talented and dedicated players—secured third place in their respective tournaments.

Despite packed schedules and strong competition, both teams remained composed, focused and determined throughout the day. Their performances reflected not only technical skill but also resilience and teamwork. Beyond the results, students left with new friendships, increased confidence and lasting memories—proving once again that sport is about much more than medals.

Table Tennis City Championship Results:

  • U11 A – 3rd place

  • U11 B – 3rd place

As well as training and competing in SISAC fixtures our U11 athletes were also training hard in athletics for the Primary FOBISIA games in June.

FOBISIA Athletics: Training with Purpose, Competing with Pride

In the lead-up to the recent FOBISIA Games, our U11 athletes showed exceptional dedication during their final athletics training session at the University of Sport in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite a lightning delay that briefly interrupted the session, students made the most of their time on the track and field—refining sprint starts, relay techniques and middle-distance pacing, while also strengthening their skills in long jump, standing triple jump, shot put and discus.

“It was great to see the team’s excitement building as they addressed feedback with real intent,” reflected Mr Stuart Hanlon. “Training in a venue that mirrored the competition setting gave our athletes a valuable opportunity to mentally and physically prepare—and they certainly rose to the occasion.”

That same determination was evident during the competition itself, as our athletes put their hard work into action, represented BIS HCMC with pride, and created unforgettable memories at one of the region’s most exciting sporting events.

More Than Just a Game

At BIS HCMC, we are proud to offer one of the most dynamic and inclusive sports programmes in the city. Our approach encourages students to pursue excellence while discovering the joy of movement, teamwork and personal growth. From competitive team sports like football, basketball, swimming and teeball to extra-curricular clubs such as yoga, dance, martial arts and athletics, every student has the opportunity to explore activities that suit their unique interests, strengths and comfort levels.

Whether your child dreamed of representing their school in championships or simply wanted to try something new, they are supported by a high-quality PE curriculum and a dedicated team of teachers and coaches. Through these experiences, students develop not only physical skill, but also confidence, resilience, leadership and are more likely to continue to lead a healthy and active lifestyle as they grow older.

These recent events were a powerful reflection of what our sports programme stands for: participation, progress and pride. Our athletes rose to the challenge, supported one another, and learned valuable life lessons that extended far beyond the game.

A huge thank you to our PE team, coaches and supportive school community for making these opportunities possible. We look forward to what’s next in the upcoming academic year and to seeing our students continue to grow as athletes, team players and confident young leaders.

Well done to all involved — you’ve done yourselves and our school proud.