On April 13, the long-awaited APAC 2023 badminton and soccer tournaments kicked off in the packed WAB ES Gym with a charged atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm. Students and staff from all school sections erupted into cheers and applause as the athletes from six APAC schools in China made their grand entrance. It was an especially exciting event, as it was the first time in almost four years that the six schools had come together to compete.

At the same time, ISB kicked off their own opening ceremony for the APAC track & field, softball and girls’ soccer tournaments, which WAB was proud to be part of. Take a look at ISB's student-created APAC video here.

As the above video created by WAB students shows, APAC is more than a sports competition. Fostering unity and friendship, experiencing the excitement of competition, being motivated to raise the bar higher, and the feeling of being part of something big – that is what APAC is all about. While the thrill of competing is an important aspect, being part of an APAC community is the biggest reward of all.

APAC is a team effort, with athletes, coaches, student clubs, staff, supporters, and partner schools all playing a part. We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved for a successful, thrilling three-day tournament.

“Last weekend’s APAC tournaments, especially the WAB-hosted tournament, was a moment that truly washed away the recent frustrating years of program limitations. From the opening ceremonies, the classroom visits to ES, and to the sports action on the fields, courts and track, our Tigers and our community were lifted up in their performance, joy and celebrations of sports and the APAC experience. WAB Tigers rose to the occasion and enjoyed some of their best-ever performances in our history within APAC. Congratulations Tigers!” said Martin Halpin, WABX Athletics & Activities Director.

Below are some of the highlights from this year’s APAC 2023:

• WAB’s varsity boys soccer team earned the championship title after a tough game against SAS Puxi, which ended 1:0 for WAB. Congrats!
   
• WAB’s varsity girls soccer team made history by being the first WAB girls soccer team to make it to an APAC final!
   
• The WAB varsity badminton teams had a remarkable performance this year. Our mixed doubles and girls doubles were crowned champions, while WAB also took home bronze in the boys singles. The WAB girls doubles also earned a sportsmanship award.
   
• Our varsity girls softball team made us proud by coming third place, and they also earned a sportsmanship award.
   
• Our track & field team achieved their best-ever placement in an APAC competition, earning a team trophy. Adding to this outstanding team accomplishment, they also received five gold, two silver, and six bronze medals. And they set a new APAC record for the high jump.

Well done everyone!