On March 12, the COBIS (Council of British International Schools) Primary Games officially opened at Harrow Haikou in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). This three-day international youth sports event, running from March 12 to 14, represents a landmark international educational and sporting event in the Hainan FTP since the launch of island-wide special customs operations. It also marks the first time the Games have been hosted in China.

Moments in the COBIS Primary Games

COBIS is a globally influential educational organization dedicated to promoting the internationalization of British educational standards. There are 16 COBIS-accredited schools in China, with Harrow Haikou being one of them.

The event has drawn more than 100 upper primary school athletes (aged 10-11) from 25 countries, including China, the UK, Russia, Georgia, Thailand, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and South Africa. With football, basketball, and track and field as the connecting threads, they compete and forge friendships on the vibrant shores of the Hainan FTP, presenting a spectacular cross-continental feast of youth sports exchange.

Moments in the COBIS Primary Games

Hainan currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries, and the visa procedures for participating teams are extremely convenient. This provides unique advantages for hosting the COBIS Primary Games.

The event is also a milestone for the Hainan FTP, demonstrating how it can leverage its all-round opening-up advantages to promote the deep integration of international education and sports.