Sport at Hamelin-Laie: Where Every Child Can Shine

A School Where Sport Is for Everyone

Quique’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Our sportprogramme is one of the best things that we offer in this school,” he explains. “We have plenty of opportunities for the kids to enjoy lots of different sports. And of course, if they want to develop properly in the afternoons in our Sports Academy.”

From the age of three, children begin learning the basics of movement, coordination and teamwork through a structured PE curriculum and sports academies. 

“We start from the very beginning with the basics of the sports,” says Quique. “They start playing games and can play against other schools and clubs because in our school we have a club that competeshere in Catalonia.”

Importantly, every child has the opportunity to take part. “All the kids are able to come to our Sports Academy and we have different levels,” he explains. “We develop the programme with them so everyone can improve and grow.”

Making the Most of Our Unique Surroundings

Few international schools can match Hamelin-Laie’s setting – surrounded by forest, mountains and the sea. The PE department takes full advantage. 

“We are very lucky that the sea is just a short walk from the school. We can go sailing, go paddle surfing and kayaking, play beach volleyball. “Sailing is one of our highlights. Our kids learn how to navigate properly, how to use the wind, and how to react when they face a challenge in the ocean.

It’s not just the ocean, there are also the nearby hills. “We show the kids that there's more sport than the usual,” adds Quique.

Building Confidence, Character and Connection

For Quique, the true value of sport lies in how it shapes young people. “The best part of my job is when you connect with the kids,” he says. “They can show their emotions and be how they are. We help them to overcome fear – maybe of swimming – and we support them through it.”

He believes sport helps children develop resilience and empathy. “In sports, everything is about facing challenges,” he says. “If they’re able to be part of a team, to work with others, to face these challenges, they’ll be better in life. It’s not always about winning – most of the time you’re losing. They need to understand the process, to work hard, and to have ethics.”

Success at the Global Games

Hamelin-Laie’s sporting excellence reaches beyond Spain. The students recently took part in the Nord Anglia Global Games Europe in Budapest and Prague, competing against other international schools. “We won the basketball and football tournaments,” Quique smiles. “It was our first tournament and an amazing experience for the students.”

 One Team, One Spirit

That sense of unity is at the core of everything. “We say that we have OneTeam in the school – it’s our motto,” says Quique. “They have to be connected, empowered, and work with others. No matter your sport or ability, you’ll have a place here.”

For Quique, bringing his own daughter to the school was a proud decision. “We trust the team, we trust the teachers. She comes every single day super happy to school,” he says.

At Hamelin-Laie International School, sport is not just part of the timetable – it’s part of the culture. A place where children “shine – if it’s not football or basketball, it could be dancing, swimming, or sailing.”

Because here, every child has the chance to grow, to connect, and to belong – one team, one school, one spirit.