Inter-College Games 2026

EAST won big at Captain’s Ball this year emerging as champions and came in second for soccer at Inter-Collegiate Games (ICG)  2026. Although EAST is one of the smaller bible colleges in Singapore, we are big on our fighting spirit in sports and more.  Below are two reflections by EAST international students Sainaa (Mongolia) and Chanthida (Cambodia). Have a read and be inspired by what they learned from their experiences at the recent ICG 2026.

“Hello, my name is Sainbileg (Sainaa). In June 2025, I moved to Singapore with my wife Tsoomoo, our son Samuel, and our daughter Giikhui to pursue an MA in Leadership (MALD). First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to God for East Asia School of Theology (EAST). It has been a wonderful journey studying alongside students from many different countries and learning so much from our mentors, professors and fellow students.

Since arriving, I have been involved in various school activities. Most recently, on March 6, 2026, I participated in the annual ‘Inter-Collegiate Games’ (ICG), a joint event between five different Bible Colleges in Singapore (EAST, SBC, TTC, DTC, and BTS). I competed in Captain’s Ball, a sport that is unique for its emphasis on teamwork. The day began with us gathering to give glory to God, meeting the leadership of the various schools, and being introduced to the day’s program. Although it was a competition, I truly saw that the fellowship within God’s love was very real among us.

Captain’s Ball – This sport is rarely played in my home country, and this was my first time participating. It is a true team sport; it showed me that no one can win a game alone and that every member is essential. The game requires a lot of running in a short time, accurate passing, and strategic management. When players get tired, teammates who have recharged their energy must always be ready to step in. We were fortunate to have great coaches, Dr. Matthew and Dr. Lewis. They knew exactly when to substitute players, who should be more involved in certain plays, who should defend, who should be the ‘catcher,’ and who should make the winning shot—and they communicated all of this clearly to us.

Furthermore, when a team member got injured, needed water, or required encouragement, our fellow students and teachers who were not playing were right there to support us. In the end, we went undefeated, winning all our matches by a significant margin and becoming the champions. Our success was the result of practising together beforehand, listening carefully to our coaches’ instructions, and effectively distributing our energy. It was a victory won through unity.

Looking back, it was a wonderful experience where I did not just participate in a sport, but also learned about teamwork and met many new people. Now, it is time to start training for next year’s games!”

Sainaa was the deputy National Director of Mongolia Campus Crusade for Christ before he came to EAST to pursue his Master of Arts in Leadership. 

GO EAST! – My Joyful Experience at the Inter College Games 2026

“On March 6, 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in the Inter-College Games (ICG) with the East Asia School of Theology. Since I am not really a sports person and sports are usually not my favorite activities, I was unsure which game to join during registration. After looking through the list, I decided to join Captain’s Ball because I thought it would be more of a fellowship activity rather than a competitive sport. Later, I realised that it was indeed a competitive game. Even though I lacked confidence, I chose to attend the practices and participate because I had already committed to joining.

About a week before the ICG, I began to wonder how this event could truly build fellowship among different Bible Colleges when there were competitive games such as Bible Quiz, soccer, chess, and Captain’s Ball. I thought some schools might feel disappointed if they lost. However, my perspective changed when we first gathered together for worship before the games began. During that time, the Lord filled my heart with peace, and my worries about competition disappeared.

Soon the games began, and my role in the Captain’s Ball team was to record the score. I was happy to serve in this way while observing the matches. As the games continued, I heard teams cheering enthusiastically for their members. Our team from EAST shouted, “GO EAST, GO!” while other teams cheered “Jiāyóu (加油)” and other words of encouragement. What touched me most was that we did not only cheer for our own teams, but also encouraged players from other schools. Smiles and laughter could be seen everywhere.

At that moment, I realised that the Inter College Games were about much more than competition. They were about connection, unity, and learning to work together as a community. Through this experience, I saw how God brings His people together to reconnect with one another and experience His presence even in the busyness of student life.

I truly appreciate that EAST provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Inter College Games. It allows us to build friendships and connect with fellow students and faculty in ways that the classroom environment does not always provide. I believe many who participated experienced the same joy, fellowship, and sense of God’s presence.

In the end, whether teams played soccer, Bible Quiz, chess, or Captain’s Ball—whether we won or lost—we all received the same reward in Christ: love, encouragement, and unity in His name.”

Chanthida was formerly a student with our EAST Extension Centre in Cambodia before she transferred over to our resident school in Singapore to complete her Master of Arts in Leadership.