Budapest Basketball Tournament: More than a Game

Budapest Basketball Tournament: More than a Game 

There have been countless challenges over the past 2 years of this pandemic, but perhaps nowhere else has this been so apparent as it has been in schools. Students have missed out on the sports, clubs, and activities that let them connect with the world in exciting new ways. One event—The Winter Classic basketball tournament at the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB)—is once again bringing together students and families throughout Central Europe. 

The Winter Classic tournament has included schools from throughout Central and Eastern Europe. This year, however, the tournament looked different. Because of travel restrictions, the tournament was smaller than usual, including only 2 other teams: a boys’ team from Kyiv Christian Academy (KCA) and a girls’ team from Budapest British International School. 

Heather Endicott is a TeachBeyond member serving in her second year ICSB. She spoke about how exciting it was to once again welcome other schools into their building. She commented, “If we scored, we cheered for our boys. If they scored, we cheered for them. While each team wanted to win,” she explained, “there’s a strong sense of fellowship among the Christian international schools.” 

Even though the purpose for the tournament was to play basketball, it was clear that God was working through this event. In the week leading up to the tournament, several missionaries were being called out of Ukraine by their sending agencies. Some of the students and families visiting from Kyiv were already feeling the chaos of displacement, and this competition was a chance to enjoy sports and friends in a safe, welcoming environment. Many said it felt like a little taste of normal in comparison to the pandemic and political uncertainty. 

Basketball is only a game, but it’s clear that God was working through this tournament. Some of the families who visited for the tournament are now staying in Budapest, both for their safety and because the community has been so welcoming. Heather shares that some KCA students are joining youth groups with many of the ICSB students. Teachers from the ICSB community have organized a daily time of prayer for the families of KCA. In a world so full of uncertainty, it’s great to know that God is still in charge. Traditions like the Winter Classic allow friends and families to get together and celebrate the achievements of students, as well as the communities they continue to bless in their faith.