ISSEA RUGBY

FROM THE AISL DIRECTOR

Dear Student Athletes,

A most warm welcome to the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia, where you are about to embark upon an incredible few days of collaboration, teamwork, commitment, focus, dedication and pure exhilaration as we watch you play the beautiful game of rugby.

It is three years since AISL hosted an in-person ISSEA event and almost 6 years since we last hosted the rugby sevens. Sevens is such a fast and exciting game that we feel honoured and privileged to be entertained by you all in the coming days.

For one who was a founding member of two ladies rugby teams in the late 1980s, rugby is particularly close to my heart in terms of pioneering and fond lasting memories. To the girls in this tournament, you now are able to play. This simply was not an option or even a consideration in my time, so this is particularly special to have the opportunity to witness.

Times are changing and changing exponentially. You are all in a privileged situation to have access to a variety of sports regardless of who you are. Something not to be taken for granted.

Congratulations on grasping this opportunity with dedication and passion. Cherish this experience, enjoy it, make the most out of it, as you grow as both an athlete and a person.

Above all, have fun! Take with you fond memories of the tournament and of the hospitality of our school.

Wishing everyone a wonderful tournament both on and off the field of play.

Oli Tooher Hancock

Director - AISL

FROM THE AISL SECONDARY PRINCIPAL

Welcome to Zambia and to the American International School of Lusaka. When I think about all the struggles we have experienced over the past years, I am still amazed that we have the opportunity to host an actual Rugby tournament in 2023.

When I arrived at AISL in 2020, I had never been to Africa, and had no experience with ISSEA. Having worked in the Middle East and Korea, my experience with international tournaments was limited in scale.

What I’ve found is that ISSEA ignites students’ passion for sport, and for the spirit of civil competition better than any organization I have seen so far. Our entire community is excited to host, and to welcome the ISSEA community to our home. I look forward to meeting many of you, and to seeing the spirit of sportsmanship thrive on the pitch once again.

Please enjoy your visit to the American International School of Lusaka!

Dr. Rick Odum

Secondary Principal - AISL

FROM THE AISL ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

Welcome to AISL - the Home of the Leopards!

So far this year our AISL student-athletes have already been privileged to experience the hospitality of the ISK Lions (Track & Field and XC), ICS Eagles (Volleyball girls and boys) and more currently, AISM Buffalos (boys and girls Basketball) and HIS WartHogs (Swimming). It is also AISL’s turn to roll out the red carpet for ISSEA Rugby.

Student-athletes, as always, we expect you to perform to your very best on the field of play – and off it. Turn your disciplined practice sessions into the real life actions of playing against tough opposition. In doing so, relish and respect the learning opportunity. Learning how to win, lose and indeed maybe tie is a huge important life skill.

How you handle the result says so much about your character and I believe will determine how successful you will be in life’s complex journey.

Whatever the result, look your opponent in the eye after the game, give them the respect and dignity they deserve and once the final whistle is blown shake hands and congratulate each other – something that we could not do some two years ago! What a privilege!

Mike Hancock,

Athletic Director - AISL