new ADDIS ZENA_MAGAZINE_JUNE19_2019_01 | Page 16

ISSEA TRACK AND FIELD The 5th ISSEA Annual Track and Field tournament took place at ICS Addis from 24-28 October 2018. The event, which brought together students from eight international schools of the region, had athletes compete in numerous fields of competition. The three day tournament kicked off on Thursday 24 October with a cross country competition that took place at the Guelele Botanic Gardens in the outskirts of Addis Ababa. October 25, which also was the official opening day of ISSEA Track and Field 2018, had Haile Gebresilassie, an Olympic and world distance-run champion making an opening remark to the participants of the event and present medals to the winners of the cross- country competition. Making the opening speech, Dr. Tim Stuart, the ICS Head of School, welcomed all the participants all the athletes and marked the significance of such inter- school events in building cooperation and positive efficiency and expertise of the interaction among students in ICS officials, the quality of the the region. “We are particularly athletes, the support, the “wow” honored to have Haile of havIng Haile GebreSelassie Gebresilassie among us opening at the opening; so many factors this event, and we are grateful to combined to put all the months Haile for making it amongst us of preparation so worthwhile.” this morning,” he added. Overall, the event was a success More than 181 students took for all involved. Describing part in the event that covered the achievements, Maia, Girls’ 19 events of competition. ICS Cross Country and 400m hosted 178 guest athletes and Dash champion says, “I am coaches while 33 ICS students really proud of my personal and coaches took part in the achievements, but what I am competition. Describing how most proud of is the overall unique the event was, Mick team work. It was really great to Cooper, the ICS Athletics and be part of the team. We all had Activities Director, says, “This worked very hard, and it paid-off. event was one of the best in the It was fun as well, as the team 5-year track and field history and had many of my friends.” one of the best ICS has hosted. Adonis, another athlete who took The volunteer-hosting, the part in the event representing 16