The British School In The Netherlands

The BSN flag was flying high and carried with pride during the opening ceremony as the Games were officially started, however it wasn’t long before the anticipation was over and the team were in action at the pool for the swimming event. By this point the army of BSN supporters had gathered and were in full cry as the swimmers went onto clinch a bag full of medals and ultimately the swimming trophy. Throughout the build up to the Games it was clearly evident that team spirit was becoming increasingly strong and from Day 1 of the Games themselves the essence of team ethic was again apparent as the squad backed, supported and congratulated each other right the way through.

Day 2 provided yet more excitement and further success for The BSN during the athletics competition. Going into the final events, the relays, The BSN were 80 points behind the hosts, The Prague British School. The boys led off and by finishing first secured 60 points. The girls just had to finish, but not content with this they put in a memorable performance taking silver and getting more than the points needed.  2 days, 2 cups, by this point Mr Lowe was beginning to wonder whether the school would need to invest in a new trophy cabinet.  

Day 3 dawned, a little overcast, but still an electric atmosphere was in the air. Surely it couldn’t get any better. Hopes were high as the group football matches kicked off. Some intense competition and fantastic football saw The BSN finish third in their group, consequently just missed out on a place in the semi’s, but enough to achieve sixth place and some vital points on the board. There was a buzz around the ground, would it be enough for the overall COBIS trophy?  The tension became too much when it became apparent that one team could catch The BSN, St Catherine’s Greece.  All they needed to do was win the football final, but as the whistle approached and after some frantic calculations it became clear that a St Catherine's win may still not be enough for them to clinch the trophy after all. It became academic in any case as the hosts scored three unanswered goals. So the football trophy went to The Prague British School, however the ultimate prize of being crowned 2012 COBIS Games Champions went to The BSN.

Upon hearing the news of the BSNs great success, Principal Dr Martin Coles complimented the squad on their achievement, “enormous congratulations to the BSN Team for your tremendous victory and being crowned as the inaugural COBIS Games Champions in Prague last weekend. Dr Coles further added " your hard work, determination and above all team work and spirit have paid huge dividends, myself and everybody associated with The British School in The Netherlands including parents, staff and your fellow peers are immensely proud of you all”.

As one might imagine the team were walking on air as they made their way through the airport on the way home, with all three trophies on show they were congratulated by strangers and were also welcomed onto the plane by the KLM pilot who made a special announcement to the passengers that the 2012 COBIS Champions were on board. A special mention must also be made to Mr Lowe, Mr Finch and Mrs Langford who provided brilliant support and coaching for the team, when inspiration was needed they most certainly provided it. The BSN would also like to thank the hosts the Prague British School who did a wonderful job and were extremely welcoming throughout. As reigning champions The BSN will host the COBIS Games next year which we're sure will be an equally memorable and hopefully successful event. Well done to everyone!