Smiles and Spirit: JISPP Celebrates Sports Day 2026 at Northbridge International School
PHNOM PENH, February 28, 2026 — The athletic fields of Northbridge were transformed into a vibrant festival of movement today as JISPP Nursery and Kindergarten hosted its annual Sports Day. Grounded in the Japanese Education Standard, the event prioritized “Ganbaru” (doing one’s best) and collective harmony, creating an environment where every child felt like a champion.
A Colorful Start: The Para Balloon Performance
The day opened with a hallmark of Japanese physical education: the Para Balloon. This synchronized performance required students to work in perfect harmony to create ripples and shapes with a giant colorful parachute. This activity is more than just fun; it serves as a vital lesson in:
- Coordination: Timing movements with peers to achieve a common visual goal.
- Rhythm: Developing physical timing through music and group movement.
- Social Bonding: Building trust and teamwork among nursery and kindergarten classmates.
Engagement and Obstacles
Following the performance, the students tackled a series of age-appropriate challenges designed to build confidence and motor skills:
- Obstacle Courses: Navigating tunnels and hurdles to improve agility and spatial awareness.
- Relay Games: Introducing the excitement of speed while teaching students the importance of passing the baton and supporting their teammates.
- Mission Games: Unique challenges that involved parents, bridging the gap between home and school life through shared play.
Community and Picnic Culture
From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, the “Mission Games” and the concluding family picnic are what set JISPP apart. In Japanese school culture, the Undokai (Sports Day) is a family event. By ending the day with a picnic, JISPP encouraged:
- Parent-Child Connection: Strengthening the emotional bond through shared physical achievement.
- Community Networking: Allowing families within the JISPP community to connect and socialize in a relaxed setting.
- Mindful Relaxation: Transitioning from high-energy competition to a calm, restorative social hour.
We extend a special thank you to Northbridge International School Cambodia for hosting this wonderful event and to the JISPP team for their dedication to “Japanese Education Standards” in the heart of Phnom Penh.