After two long years without it, the Varsity Festival is finally back. This year's event included football for boys in Lisbon and basketball for girls at our school. It was the first time after COVID-19 that the festival was held, and it was an exciting opportunity for our students to showcase their skills.

The girls' basketball team had a particularly impressive showing, with Beatriz Espírito Santo, F12, being awarded the Tournament MVP. "The excitement of bringing the CLIP community together inside a pavilion, the privilege to meet people from all over the country, and the memories made from getting to play with the people you share your every day with, is something to cherish," she shared. "I've played basketball since Form 6, practice it three times a week, and have been in tournaments all over the country and outside of it, but the feeling of pride and energy the Varsity promotes is completely different."

The boys' football team also had a strong showing, with João Rodrigues, F12, sharing his experience. "As a participant in the Varsity tournament, I had the unique opportunity to compete against teams from other international Portuguese schools over a three-day period," he said. "The tournament tested your physical endurance and mental toughness, but it was also an opportunity to bond with my teammates." He also emphasised the importance of the Varsity Festival in creating friendships and memories both on and off the pitch.

The competition was fierce, but both teams represented CLIP with pride and dedication. In the end, the girls' basketball team emerged as champions. "This was my last Varsity at Clip, and it was an emotional experience," said Espírito Santo. "It's hard to describe the feeling of representing and winning for a community that has become like family to me. I hope the legacy of the Varsity Festival continues for years to come."

Team sports offer numerous benefits that go beyond the physical aspect of exercise. They promote social connections, teach valuable life skills, promote physical fitness, offer opportunities for personal growth and development, and provide a fun and engaging way to stay active. At CLIP, we are proud to provide opportunities for our students to participate in team sports and experience these benefits firsthand. The recent Varsity Festival was a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills, build connections with other schools, and enjoy the many benefits of team sports.

Overall, the Varsity Festival was an unforgettable experience for all participants. It showcased the talent and dedication of our student-athletes. It brought our community together in a celebration of sportsmanship and competition. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.