Athletics

Athletics

Building Skills, Community, and Confidence

Athletics at Hiroshima International School give students the chance to challenge themselves, strengthen teamwork, and develop a healthy, active lifestyle. Through sports and movement, students build confidence, resilience, and friendships that carry through their school years.
Our athletics program welcomes students of all skill levels. We focus on participation, growth, and enjoyment while providing competitive opportunities for students who want to take their sports further.
The program reflects HIS commitment to PEACE, promoting positive environments, engaging experiences, student agency, character development, and excellence through practice and perseverance.

Athletics at HIS

HIS offers a growing selection of sports and physical activities each year. Our coaches and teachers emphasize fair play, teamwork, personal progress, and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to try new sports, develop their skills, and stay active throughout the year.

Current offerings include:

  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • After-school sports clubs

  • Seasonal team sports and tournaments

We also host friendly matches and tournaments with other international schools in Japan throughout the school year.

PEACE in Athletics

P – Positive and inclusive team culture

P – Positive and inclusive team culture

Every student is welcomed and supported, whether they are new to a sport or experienced. Teams focus on encouragement, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.

E – Engaging and purposeful experiences

E – Engaging and purposeful experiences

Practices and games are structured to build skills, fitness, and teamwork. Students stay active while learning strategies, rules, and techniques in a supportive environment.

A – Agency and growth

A – Agency and growth

Students take ownership of their development and set personal goals. They have opportunities to lead warm-ups, mentor younger players, and take on leadership roles within teams.

C – Character and community

C – Character and community

Athletics help students develop perseverance, teamwork, responsibility, and integrity. Teams represent HIS in the wider community and model respect and caring behavior on and off the court. 

E – Excellence and resilience

E – Excellence and resilience

We celebrate effort, improvement, and commitment. Students learn to embrace challenge, recover from setbacks, and strive for their personal best.

Children wearing helmets and harnesses climbing an outdoor rock wall at an adventure course.

Facilities

HIS students benefit from:

  • A full-size gymnasium with courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and indoor training
  • Outdoor spaces for soccer, fitness training, and track activities
  • Equipment for team sports and individual skill development
  • Access to local sports venues for special events and competitions

As part of our long-term facilities planning, HIS continues to expand opportunities for outdoor activity, athletics, and whole-school wellbeing. 

Young children running on a track during a school sports day event.

Tournaments and Events

Throughout the year, HIS students participate in:

  • Friendly matches with international schools across Japan
  • League competitions
  • Seasonal sports tournaments
  • Whole-school fitness challenges and community events

These events promote school spirit, teamwork, and connections across grade levels. 

Adult and child running together during a relay race on a sports field with teammates cheering nearby.

Coaching and Support

Our coaches are committed to providing a safe, encouraging environment where students stay active and develop confidence. Coaches model sportsmanship and teach students how to set goals, communicate effectively, and support one another.

Large group of students and adults in yellow shirts posing together on a stadium track during a school event.

Join a Team

Students are invited to participate in after-school sports clubs, seasonal teams, and recreational activities offered throughout the year. Programs are open to beginners and experienced players.

Students and adults holding clusters of purple and green balloons in a gymnasium, posing for a group photo.

Celebrating Student Achievement

We recognize growth, teamwork, and commitment in athletics. HIS celebrates students who demonstrate perseverance, positive attitude, leadership, and respect for teammates and opponents.

 

Student in a yellow shirt running on a track during a school sports day with other participants in the background.

Sports Day

Sports Day is one of the most anticipated events of the year at Hiroshima International School. Hosted at a local stadium, the day begins with age-group running, jumping, and throwing events that allow students to challenge themselves in speed, power, endurance, and technique.

In the afternoon, students join mixed-age teams for cooperative challenges that earn points for their team colors. Older students guide and support, while younger students gain confidence by working alongside positive role models.

As a community grounded in the message of peace, Sports Day also celebrates respectful competition and unity. Students from diverse backgrounds come together to encourage one another, show fairness, and strengthen community connections.

The event concludes with recognition of both team and individual achievements, highlighting personal growth and collective spirit.