ESK Lions Roar into 2026: Celebrating Sporting Triumphs & Community Spirit

ESK
6 days ago
3 min read

What an exhilarating first term it has been for our ESK Lions! We have had a whirlwind of sports success that has certainly kept our spirits high and pride soaring. Here’s a roundup of the remarkable achievements our athletes have secured so far, showcasing teamwork, enthusiam, and a zest for competition.

Badminton Brilliance: Let’s start with a bang, or should we say a roar?

Our badminton team truly played their hearts out during the Turkish International Schools League Badminton tournament, hosted here at ESK. It was a spectacular two-day event filled with thrilling matches, and we could not be prouder of our Lions, whose precision, skills and relentless spirit kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Our Lions dominated the tournament, claiming 1st place in both the Boys AND Girls categories! A massive thank you to our spirited rivals from Turkey, Robert College, MEF Izmir, MEF Istanbul, and local competition,19 Mayis, for bringing their best to the courts. Each team brought their unique strengths and competitive edge, making the tournament not only challenging but also incredibly exciting.

Football Fever: Unleashing our Roar

The excitement continued as our Lions brought heart and talent onto the football field.

The KS3 boys' team travelled to Istanbul in October for the highly anticipated Turkish International Schools League (TISL) Tournament. As a newly formed team of middle-school students, they faced some challenging competition, yet they rose to the occasion with remarkable determination and skill, securing an impressive 5th place overall. The passion they displayed during each game was truly contagious, inspiring not only their teammates but also the coaches and supporters who travelled with them. The team bonded over shared experiences, learning valuable lessons about resilience, cooperation, and the importance of supporting one another in both victory and defeat.

Meanwhile, our KS4 & 5 football team kicked it up in Ankara in November, clinching an outstanding 2nd place in another TISL tournament! This event brought together talented young athletes from various international schools, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation, as international schools across Turkey prepared to demonstrate their abilities on the field.

Special shout-outs are for Year 11 student Kaya and Captain Tuğra, who were recognised among the top 10 players of the tournament for their agility and ball control — what a fantastic achievement! This couldn't have been achieved without the motivation and strategic thinking of our two coaches, guiding the team through challenging moments. An unbelievable performance from our ESK Lions!

And let’s not forget about the friendly side of football! Our boys and girls teams enjoyed an invigorating day trip to Limassol, where they had the opportunity to display their skills and passion for play in a series of friendly matches against schools from Limassol and Larnaca. This excursion was not just about competition; it was an enriching experience that brought together young athletes from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

ESK Lions were on Fire! The boys dashed around the field with impressive speed, demonstrating their agility and teamwork, and we can’t stop raving about Ayla’s stunning dribbling skills for the KS4&5 girls team! Each match was a thrilling display of talent, strategy, and determination, as players fought hard for victory, showcasing their dedication and love for the game.

This day was not about winning; it was about learning from each other, sharing experiences, and building lasting connections through the beautiful game of football. The collaboration and laughter shared during the matches, the support from coaches and supporters, and let's not forget the "Freed from Desire" chants that resonated during the coach rides, created an uplifting spirit of enthusiasm and unity all day long!

A Triumphant Tennis Tournament

ESK Lions aren't just skilled on the field; they also shine on the court! Our primary school students wowed everyone at the Ministry of Education Tennis Tournament, a prestigious event that brings together young athletes from various schools across the region. With sheer determination, the boys dominated the competition, earning a well-deserved 1st place victory! Meanwhile, the girls showcased their tenacity and resilience throughout the tournament, facing tough opponents with grace and determination, securing 2nd place.

Bravo, Lions! Your achievements on the tennis court are a testament to your hard work and dedication, and we can't wait to see you achieve mor successes in Secondary School.

As we prepare to take on new sporting challenges ahead, let's bring home more victories, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories!

Stay proud, stay motivated, and keep roaring, Lions!