By the ISB Communications team and student clubs Filmism and Dragon Council
Published on Monday, November 20, 2023
The Great Wall Shootout basketball tournament coming up at the International School of Beijing (ISB) this week is the stuff that memories are made of. It’s everything that’s awesome about life at an international school. For the athletes, playing top teams from across the region is what they’ve trained for. For the fans packing the bleachers, it’s a crackling atmosphere and the chance to watch their daughters and sons, brothers and sisters with pride. It’s a formative experience for young people on the court and off. And for a school committed to creating peak moments for its community, it’s one of the highlights of the year.
The Shootout is one of the jewels in ISB’s history of excellence. This invitational High School boys and girls basketball tournament was founded in 2004 by ISB PE teacher Tim Callahan, later renamed in Mr. Callahan’s honor following his retirement.
This is more than just a basketball tournament, as the event combines sportsmanship with meaningful cultural connections. While there is a core group of local schools that regularly attends, the rotating list of participants has included the American International School of Johannesburg and big names from many other countries. Students from visiting schools get to take in sites like the Great Wall and Forbidden City during their time off court, while many friendships have been formed across school communities.
Every year, High School film students make a Great Wall Shootout promo video to whip up excitement. This year’s does not disappoint!
The official Great Wall Shootout website has the match schedule and livestreams of the action. We can’t wait.