Dulwich College Beijing recently hosted the grand opening of their Dulwich Legend Sports Dome. The pressurized “bubble” dome allows for an extension of the school’s vast sports offerings, with the added benefit of being immune to weather issues (winter cold, summer heat, rain, or less than ideal air quality). Measuring 34 by 48 meters, it’s large enough to accommodate many sports activities at one time and is already being used at the campus.
The cocktail reception included lively entertainment by the Dulwich Chamber Choir, Dulwich Jazz Band and Chinese Drum Ensemble. Concurrently, guests (including children) were invited to test out the dome area by using a trampoline, participating in a basketball free throw challenge, having a badminton battle with Faye Archer and a celebrity penalty shoot-out with professional soccer player Sun Jihai. The evening concluded with speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Dulwich Headmaster Neal McGowan greeted everyone with introductions and special announcements. A highlight was the announcement of Dulwich College’s full accreditation for National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT), Council of International Schools (CIT) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Also noted was their recent British International School of the Year for 2011 award (see this blog for that award). Special guests of the evening included Fraser White (Chairman, Dulwich college Management International, DCMI); Ralph Mainard (Deputy Master, Dulwich College London); James Chen (Vice Director Education Bureau, Suzhou); and Christian Guertler (CEO of DCMI).
Headmaster McGowan also announced that by the 2012 Olympics in London, there will be six new tennis courts and an ice rink built in the land adjacent to the campus dome. This will further the school’s commitment to foster the importance of sporting facilities to their school and outside community.
