A colorful celebration of teamwork, laughter, and global friendship.

Sometimes, the best lessons happen beyond the classroom walls. Events like Sports Day offer a chance for the entire KDI School community, not just students, but also professors and staff, to step away from their daily routines and come together in a fun, energetic setting. It’s not just about playing games or being outdoors; it’s about creating shared moments that strengthen bonds, promote teamwork, and build a sense of belonging across all school members. 

This spring, KDI School's Sports Day brought that spirit to life in the most vibrant way possible. With bright sunshine overhead and even brighter smiles all around, students from all programs and countries came together to play, cheer, and connect. From relay races to tug-of-war, and from giant inflatable balls to friendly chants, every moment was filled with laughter, excitement, and camaraderie.

More than just a day of physical activity, Sports Day was a reminder of the importance of balance in academic life, and how sports can become a powerful tool for building friendships, understanding diverse cultures, and creating lasting memories.

Fun Moments, Strong Bonds

For many participants, the day’s joy came from moments of playful chaos and spontaneous teamwork. Priscilla Ayapan (MPP, 2024) found herself laughing non-stop during the Air Dribble game, where coordination and communication were essential: “The most fun moment was definitely the Air Dribble game. We had to bounce a huge ball across the field without letting it touch the ground; it was hilarious and chaotic, but also required real teamwork. We had to quickly figure out how to move together.”

Patria Reyes (MPP, 2024) appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with friends she doesn't always see due to everyone’s busy academic schedules: “For me, the best part was meeting up with my MPP classmates. Even though we’re in the same program, we often don’t get to spend time together because of classes or different routines. Sports Day gave us a chance to just enjoy and laugh together.”

More Than Games: The Spirit of Community

For Christofer Melendez (MDP 2025), the event's multicultural and inclusive vibe stood out: “We have such a diverse community here at KDI School, and events like this help people open up and connect beyond academics. I really appreciated how well organized everything was, the instructions were clear, and the activities were inclusive, so everyone could participate.”

Behind the Mic: The MC Perspective

While most students were in the field, Elena Dimas (MDP 2024) had a unique role as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

“Being MC was a great experience! It made me realize just how much planning and coordination goes into making something like this happen. I also really enjoyed cheering everyone on and seeing how each team came together.”

Her most memorable moment came from the beautiful display of sportsmanship rather than the games themselves : “My favorite moment was when the blue team started cheering for the yellow team. It really showed the spirit of support and unity that defines our community, even when we’re technically on ‘opposing’ teams. That was powerful.”

A Day to Remember

At the end of the day, the trophies may have been won by a few, but the memories were shared by all. Sports Day reminded students that while KDI School is a place of rigorous academic pursuit, it is also a space for joy, connection, and growth beyond the classroom.

Whether it was bouncing giant balls, sprinting for flags, shouting cheers, or simply sharing a laugh, this event brought together the heart and soul of KDIS: its people.

Sports Day was a celebration of what makes KDI School special, its diverse, international community united by a shared spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Events like this show that leadership, resilience, and global understanding are not only built through lectures and research, but also through fun, inclusive experiences that bring everyone together.

And of course, a special shout-out goes to the Yellow Team, representing the MPM, MDS, MIPD, PP, and DP programs, who came out on top after scoring the most points throughout the day, outshining the blue, red, and orange teams with their energy, teamwork, and competitive spirit!