As an annual tournament held as part of a series of events for NHAT, Sports Day always leaves those who experienced it with remarkable memories. True to its name, it is an opportunity for every faction to display their agility, creativity as well as skillfulness to overcome the challenges posed on the football pitch. Not only is Sports Day an extraordinarily exciting tournament with numerous physical challenges, it is also a place for factions to boost their team spirits. With cheers loud and clear in the blue sky, the 13 teams' enthusiasm made the event a one-of-a-kind experience.

The sounds of vuvuzelas echoing throughout Ams Arena

The first game of the group stage was called Cannon Balloon, with the participation of four factions: Cambridge, Russian, Literature and Chinese. This was a game which required unity and dexterity from the players, as four players had to link hands with their backs to each other before moving towards colorful hoops placed on their path, and throwing a ball into the correct box with the corresponding color. After 5 minutes of silent concentration on the track, the Cambridge faction exploded with joy as the first group to qualify for the Semi-Finals, as the champion of Group 1.

The Cambridge faction with a performance that outshone every other team

Cannon Balloon is a game which demands good teamwork

The second game was participated by five factions: Math, History, Physics, Biology and English, with a uniquely named game: GenZia XenZia. Each team had 3 players with two balls balanced between their bodies, with two blindfolded people at the front and the end of the line who had to listen to the instructions of the one in the middle to move in a zigzag line, avoiding obstacles placed along the track. This game required intense concentration as well as absolute harmony among players, since only one tiny mistake could directly jeopardize the teams' results. The Math faction, once again, came out on top, becoming the second qualifier for the Semi-Finals.

The Math faction's exceptional performance which granted them a ticket to the Semi–Finals

GenZia XenZia requires the players to be in sync with their teammates

The final round of the group stage brought the game Flappy Hoppy to Ams Arena, with four factors competing for the slot: Informatics, Chemistry, French and Geography. Two players from each team would repeatedly bounce a ball between each other using a triangular cardboard while moving towards the finish line. With their skillfulness and diligence, the I.T. faction made a satisfying performance, becoming the final qualifier for the Semi–Finals, face-to-face against the other two factions.

The I.T. faction's incredible dexterity

The atmosphere of Sports Day was buzzing with cheers and chants from the audience, who never ceased to chant their factions’ own unique slogans. The football pitch was on fire with the sounds, displaying the teams' acute enthusiasm and desire to win to everyone who cared to listen.

The History major proudly displaying their flags to cheer the players on

The Literature Major's absolute engrossment in their team's performance

The teams who ranked second in every group would continue onto the playoff rounds called Color Quarter to win the final ticket to the Semi–Finals. The three factions (Russia, History and Chemistry) put on an intense display of strategy with vastly different game plans. In the end, with their brilliant execution, the warriors of the Chemistry faction opened the doors for them to compete in the Semi–Finals.

Otherworldly and satisfying—the Chemistry faction’s performance in the Playoffs

Every team's strategy is different

In the Semi–Finals, the factions Cambridge, Math, Informatics and Chemistry clashed excitingly with 2 randomly selected competing groups of Cambridge – Math and Chemistry – Informatics. The game was called XO XO, a playoff combat game, with the atmosphere at Ams Arena was never before so impassioned. Although tic-tac-toe is familiar to each and everyone of us, the game in the Semi–Final was increased in difficulty, requiring intelligence and good reflexes. After multiple stressful game rounds, the tickets to the Finals were granted to the Cambridge faction and the Chemistry faction.

XO XO requires great intelligence and fine reflexes from the players

The Cambridge and Chemistry factions

In the final round, a game of Ludo Duo—a combination of the traditional game 123 and ludo—became the deciding game for the ultimate champion of Sports Day. Despite the stifling heat, Amsers were unstoppable. In fact, their determination and fiery spirit rose higher than ever before. Stress, urgency and anxiety were displayed clearly on every player's face, but with the trust and encouragement from other members of their respective factions, all were seemingly full of determination to achieve the highest title for their people. Just when the two teams were at an impasse, with both teams as equally talented as the other, the Chemistry faction made a major breakthrough in the final, deciding round, bringing the official trophy of Sports Day home.

The stress evident on every player's face at each game

"Victory is only a step away!"

The title of Champion of Sports Day 2022 officially went to the Chemistry faction

The enthusiasm of youth surged through the veins of every Amser. It is not an exaggeration to say that Sports Day is the event that most clearly displays the fiery spirits of Amsers, a fire in their hearts that rekindles and burns brightly in NHAT's final round. Congratulations to every faction's excellent performances, we hope that you all will keep this spirit up so that NHAT 2022 can be as vibrant and as thrilling as always!

Translator: Phan Khánh An - English 1 2225

Image: Provided by the OC of NHAT'22