We are excited to announce that Year 8 student, Keizlan, earned third place at the Abu Dhabi 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship 2024, held from December 18 to 22. This historic event, featuring participants from 57 countries across five continents, was the largest World Pencak Silat Championship and the biggest Silat event ever hosted in the UAE, with over 1,100 athletes, coaches, and officials in attendance. Keizlan’s success in such a competitive event demonstrates hard work and resilience. After months of intense training, Keizlan earned both bronze and silver medals, competing against athletes from countries like Kazakhstan and Germany. He joins a growing line of Reach martial artists, following the Hayon sisters’ Taekwondo silver at ADEK’s Abu Dhabi Sports Championship. Reflecting on the experience, Keizlan shared, “At first, I knew little about Pencak Silat tournaments, but as I trained, I understood the rules and strategies. Starting with once-a-week sessions in June, my training became daily. On competition day, I was nervous, but my teammates helped calm my nerves. Representing the UAE and Reach British Shool was amazing, and I hope to continue with the UAE Pencak Silat Federation.” Principal Craig Halsall expressed pride in Keizlan’s achievement, “We are incredibly proud of Keizlan for his hard-earned success at the championship. This accomplishment reflects his dedication and commitment. We celebrate this achievement and congratulate Keizlan for bringing honour to our school and his family.” He also emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education, “At our school, we nurture both academic excellence and physical growth. Our comprehensive sports programme offers opportunities for students to excel in various disciplines. Keizlan’s success highlights the dedication of our students and the support they receive from our staff and facilities.” A Strong Sports Programme at Our School Our school is proud to offer a diverse sports programme that encourages students to explore their athletic passions. From football to basketball and swimming, we provide an environment where students can thrive. That extends to club sport too: earlier this year, Year 8’s Giovanni helped lead his regional rugby team to victory. Keizlan’s achievement serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and dedication, both in and outside the classroom. We congratulate Keizlan on this incredible achievement and look forward to supporting all our students in their future sports endeavours.
