Students arrived at Harrow International School Haikou for the 2026 COBIS Primary Games. [Photo provided to China Daily]

More than 100 young athletes from 25 countries and regions gathered in Haikou, Hainan province, this week for the 2026 Council of British International Schools Primary Games, the first time the event has been held in China.

The three-day competition, which began on Mar 12 at Harrow International School Haikou, brought together students aged 10 and 11 from as far as Britain, Russia, Georgia and Thailand to compete in soccer, basketball, and track and field.

Event organizers described the gathering as a milestone for international education and sports in the Hainan Free Trade Port, which launched island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, 2025. The FTP now offers visa-free access for citizens from 86 countries, providing easy entry for athletes, coaches and support staff attending events such as sports competitions.

"Hosting these games is both an honor and a responsibility," said Olly Wells, headmaster of Harrow Haikou, who led the school's bid to bring the event to China. "We are proud to bring together students, teachers and schools from across the COBIS network here in Hainan — from different countries, different cultures, but united by sport and friendship."

Wells cited the school's international event experience, facilities and reputation as factors in securing the games, but said the FTP policies were a decisive advantage.

"Hainan is a fantastic location to organize the event,” he said. “Not only do we have natural fabulous weather all year round, policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port make it far easier to arrange travel for so many nationalities to come here."

Young athletes aged 10-11 from Britain, Russia, Georgia and Thailand gather in Haikou, Hainan province, to compete in soccer, basketball and track and field.  [Photo provided to China Daily]

Delegates echoed that sentiment. Hannah M, head of lower school sport at Harrow Hong Kong, praised the efficiency of border processing upon arrival. "The people of immigration are very accommodating and friendly, getting us through very quickly," she said.

For student-athletes, the games offer both competition and cultural exchange.

Elif K, a Turkish student competing in all three sports, said she aimed to perform well in her strongest events. "I'm very confident I can get a gold medal," she said.

Her friend Lidar O, from Israel, said she was looking forward to meeting new friends from other countries.

Off the field, Harrow Haikou arranged a city tour for visiting participants, including a visit to scenic spots and a taste of local specialties.

Noelle Binner, a student from Austria, said this was her first time in China. "It's really fun. China is very beautiful and has positive energy,” she said. ''Hainan is a very happy and welcoming place."

Binner also took part in cultural activities including traditional lacquer fan making and zodiac rubbing. "I can take these works back! It was really interesting and let me feel the charm of Chinese culture," she said.

Beyond the games, students immersed themselves in Chinese culture through lacquer fan painting and zodiac rubbing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Yu Yao, Chinese principal of Harrow Haikou, said the gathering represented a bold step forward for international engagement in the province.

"Having students from so many countries gathered here in Haikou is a vivid illustration of international education in Hainan," she said. "We will continue to promote international exchange and the development of international talent here."

chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn