In spite of the grey skies, students brightened the morning with their enthusiasm and smiles as they cheered on their classmates competing in relays and swimming in freestyle, breaststroke and crawl races. The hard work of Andrea El Hajj (Year 12), lead organiser of the Middle and Upper School portion of the event, was rewarded through the victory of her House – Einstein.

Marc-Alain Adjahi, Year 10

The 2019 edition of the Swimming Gala of The English International School of Benin was a quite special one, with senior students organised to represent their houses.  There was a hint of commotion in the beginning due to the confusion as to which swimmer was in which house (Einstein, Newton or Mandela). After a few minutes, order was re-established and the swimming competition could start.  In the first few seconds of the races – and even beforehand – it was clear that Newton, the house with the best swimmer, was going to win.  However, the suspense was kept as Einstein took the lead and was followed by Mandela, leaving Newton to be third.  In the end, Einstein came out victorious and, against all odds, Newton ended up last.

Miriam Augustt, Year 5

Swimming Gala was on the 1st of March.  We went on the school bus. We were so excited about the Swimming Gala.

They organised it so well that I was amazed.  We all tried our best to be first, second or third.  Some won, some lost, but we were still proud of ourselves.  I was very happy and proud of myself.  We all tried our best.

Ayan Pati, Year 3

Friday, 1st March was Swimming Gala.  We did our spelling test and Bond English nearly to break time.  Mrs. Carsky, the Head teacher then came and said time to go for Swimming Gala. All were happy, but I was not happy thinking if I would win something or not.  I was nearly losing my hope and Moses was losing hope too. But then we ate our snack and ran into the bus, reached there and changed out of our uniform.

First the Year 6 girls. The real judge blew his whistle.  Pi, Pi, Pi, Pi, Pip!

Splash, splash, splash, splash, splash!

At last our turn came, then the same.

1st Fenou, 2nd Me, 3rd George.  Again girls.  At last us again.

Pi, Pi, Pi, Pi, Pip!  Splash, splash, splash, splash!

1st George, 2nd Me, 3rd Ahmad.  Then time for medals.  Put on the medals and t-shirts.  Took a group photo.  The end.