RGS | Sri Lanka

Stay up to date with the adventures of RGS who are in Sri Lanka this week!

December 4^th, 2024

HERE WE GO!

Excitement is brewing as RGS students set off on their first international sports tour to Sri Lanka! Over the next three days, footballers and netballers from Key Stage 3 will put their skills to the test against friendly local host schools.

SRI LANKA... BRING IT ON.

After a well earned sleep, students enjoyed a training session under the beautiful Sri Lankan sun. Teachers led a light session before a balance, stability & mobility session with our local yoga instructor and ex-netball player, Donisha.

In the afternoon RGS got their first taste of Sri Lankan opposition as the boys took on Colombo Kickers Academy and the girls enjoyed a very alternative playing experience on an ash court vs Holy Family Convent Girls School. A great day had by all!

GAME TIME

The second day of challenge matches brought a fierce test for the RGS athletes. After a morning of active recovery, the girls played Lyceum International School and the boys faced-off against Colombo International School.

The story of the day for the girls was receiving lovely gifts from their hosts in the form of a Sri Lankan flag badge. This is very common in Sri Lankan culture, and the girls were extremely grateful.

The boys faced an uphill battle in their match as the hosts took an early 2-0 lead. In true RGS fashion, they found the will and determination to fight back to earn a 3-3 draw in a hotly contested affair. Well done both teams. Stay tuned for the final challenge matches tomorrow morning!

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

A big day for the boys in Colombo as both the U12 & U14 teams defeated their Royal College opposition 4-2 and 5-1, respectively.

The girls had a similar experience vs Colombo International School with a hard fought win, in what was their last challenge match on international soil.

A fantastic finish to a tough three days of challenge matches. It is great to see so many smiles on faces and friendly and respectful interactions with their opponents. This afternoon, the group made their way south and checked in safely to their resort in Hikkaduwa.

THE BEST OF THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE

An action packed day for RGS, and it kicked off with an epic surf lesson. Students were put through a thorough safety briefing, then they were shown the basics and before trying their luck against the never-ending Weligama waves. Smiles all round then on to a buffet lunch with a panoramic view of the famous town of Galle.

In the afternoon, the students got up close with one of nature's wonders. They learned about the struggles turtles face out in the ocean, some then scrubbed turtle tanks, while others fed and washed some of the adolescent turtles and finally the group releasing some the beautiful Sri Lankan baby turtles into the wild. Part 1 of the students giving back to the local community, and it was a real highlight of the trip so far.

The day was capped of with a traditional Sri Lankan dance, where students were encouraged to replicate what they saw and own the dancefloor! A jam packed day full of laughter and feel-good moments.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GIVEBACK

After an early checkout, a wholesome morning in Sirinivasa Primary School awaited. Sponsored by the Twedex Foundation, this school is in the home town one of the Twedex family, Janaka, who has guided the group in his homeland all week.

After being paraded into the school grounds, students got down and dirty as they spruced up a classroom in need (in RGS green paint of course). Others owned the stage as they engaged the bright-eyed Sri Lankan children in story books. Lastly, RGS students organised entertaining games in the sports field.

Chef de mission Mr Bennett and his team left a small mountain of donations on behalf of the RGS community. The local teachers, students and parent community were incredibly grateful for the gifts of stationary, sports equipment and school equipment. It goes so far in improving the education for young learners at this school and on behalf of Sirinivasa and the Twedex Foundation, we extend a heartfelt thank you.

The day didn't finish there: a quick stop at the local tea shop, then on to the souvenirs shop (wash the elephant pants at 30), and a final Twedex surprise - a visit to a local elephant orphanage during washing & feeding time. On to the airport hotel and the early flight awaits.