It’s not every day you receive a call inviting you to represent your school and country at a worldwide sports event, but that’s exactly what happened to Ashley Brewster and EIC Marbella ahead of the World School Games in Dubai in February.
The school will travel over 3,500 miles to compete in the inaugural event in the United Arab Emirates, which will see them take on nine schools from across the world in a series of athletics, football and swimming competitions.
Brewster – who will lead the group to the Games as Head Coach – was full of praise for the school’s sport-mad students, while she commended the support received from the parent community at EIC Marbella who will travel in large numbers to support their loved ones in Dubai.
“The pupils regularly attend before and after school training, showing commitment and enthusiasm. However, it’s not only the children who are committed to sport at EIC, but the parents too. They provide a positive and supportive environment to sports and academics to ensure their children are well-rounded individuals. This is evidenced by the number of parents who will be attending The World School Games.”
Brewster believes that the students have prepared well for the Games and is hopeful that this will stand them in good stead going into the competition. 
“Travelling to Dubai, to represent EIC and Spain in the first ever World School Games, is an absolute honour and privilege for the children and the staff. We are incredibly excited, we have worked very hard in training and we are looking forward to having this opportunity.
She is looking forward to giving her athletes the opportunity to compete in the UAE, and also highlighted the cultural benefits she believes her students will experience during the Games.
“Being invited to compete with schools from all over the world, and to mix with different nationalities and cultures, is something the pupils are very excited about. This is an experience for all of us, and we are hoping to do everyone back at The English International College, and in Spain, proud.”
The 19-strong EIC Marbella Games squad will be made up of seven males and 12 female athletes, with the girl’s team captained by Millie Dobson and the boys led by Kevin Kukk.
Kevin is delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage, and he says that rubbing shoulders with opposition teams from across the globe is something which he is really looking forward to.
He said: “Travelling to Dubai is like a dream come true. I am very excited to represent EIC and Spain in Dubai in February. I am looking forward to the swimming and athletics events and I am can’t wait to compete against many other different schools from around the world.
Girls Captain Millie Dobson is thrilled to be travelling to Dubai, and she took the time to send her best wishes to the other participants.
“I feel very honoured and proud to be part of the EIC representing our school and Spain in Dubai at The World School Games.
“I wish all the other schools and countries taking part the best of luck, and I hope my team and I do EIC and Spain proud. Good luck to all competitors.”
To find out more about the World School Games, and the teams competing, visit their website here.