General 1/3/2025 4:08:00 PM

Summer Flashback - Hawks Fly to France

Angoulême, FR: The Twinning Eco Games brought together international teams from Angoulême's international sister cities, to compete in eco-themed activities, blending environmental awareness with friendly athletic sportsmanship. Those cities were: Bury (England) Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), Gelendzhik (Russia), Turda (Romania), Chaves (Portugal), Hildesheim (Germany), Saguenay (Canada), Segou (Mali), and Hoffman Estates (USA).

The event also partnered with the 2024 Summer Olympics, held in Paris, France, mirroring the international competitiveness of athletes around the world. Athletes competed in various events including high jump, shot put, and other sprints.

Harper College Hawks were graciously invited to represent Hoffman Estates, IL, right before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The ten-day, nine-night travel was graciously supported by the leadership of the college, as a unique opportunity to inspire and transform lives through the innovative blend of a co-curricular engagement, inclusive participation, and global education.

Five student-athletes: Lilly Alberts (XC, WT&F), Timothy Bryant (MT&F), Konrad Jakubowski (MXC, MT&F), Daniel Tewogbade (MSOC, MBB), and Asia Williams (VB), were selected to showcase the competitive strength of Harper Athletics, as well as reinforce Harper's strong community connection with Hoffman Estates. The township of Hoffman Estates shares the commitment to international friendship and environmental awareness and the opportunity to engage in this unique event not only showcased the collective commitment to sustainability and community, but also proved to be a meaningful experience, highlighting the ability sports can play in fostering international connections.

Director of Athletics, Sherese Parker, was proud to facilitate this diverse group of student-athletes from the college. "When this opportunity was presented to me, I knew an experience such as this; to travel internationally, represent Harper College as the only students from the USA, experience a piece of the Summer 2024 Olympics and more…. I knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students and I did not want it to pass us by."

For Jakubowski, the experience went beyond the competitions: "The Twinning Eco Games gave me the chance to see more of the world and connect with people from different cultures. It was amazing to represent Harper College while exploring how other countries approach their consumption of materials and their sustainability efforts. This experience opened my eyes to new perspectives and inspired me to think globally about the environment and beyond."

The Eco-Games featured athletic and educational competitions including environmental challenges that encouraged the reuse of materials, such as building sculptures or creating art from waste. The Hawks engaged in educational workshops on topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The experience culminated with a highly competitive day of athletic events, where the student-athletes were awarded points for their individual and collective efforts.

Each evening concluded with an engaging icebreaker activity or cultural exchange with a different city hosting a dinner, representative of their country. This time was designed to introduce participants to the diverse cultures represented at the games. This daily activity encouraged athletes and guests to mingle, sharing glimpses into each other's customs, languages, and perspectives through dancing, laughter and playing games. The activity not only broke down language barriers but fostered a spirit of camaraderie, setting a positive tone for the competitive athletic events that would happen on Saturday, July 13. Angoulême hosted the final dinner, providing traditional French culinary delights and fireworks, celebrating France's biggest national holiday, Bastille Day.

"Participating in the Twinning Eco Games was eye-opening. It was incredible to see how sports could bring people from different countries together to promote sustainability. We learned so much about eco-friendly practices and felt proud to represent Harper College on such a meaningful global stage," shared Bryant.

Parker adds "I want to thank our college leadership who emphatically supported this endeavor as well as our students and helped to navigate the elements that needed to quickly come together, specifically Dean Mary Kay Harton and Provost Dr. Ruth Williams."

The Twinning Eco Games succeeded in fostering international friendships and promoting eco-conscious values, leaving a lasting impact on all participants and further solidifying the bonds between these twin cities and Harper College Athletics. The sister cities are currently planning the next initiative of Hoffman Estates Sister Cities Commission chairperson, Lillian Mosier, to host a Spring 2025 partnership with a female soccer team from Angouleme, to visit Harper College!

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Players Mentioned

Lilly Alberts: Sophomore

Timothy Bryant: Hurdles; Sophomore

#4 Asia Williams: DS; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Konrad Jakubowski: Dist.; Freshman

#22 Daniel Tewogbade: CG; 6' 3"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Lilly Alberts
: Sophomore

Timothy Bryant
: Sophomore
: Hurdles

#4 Asia Williams
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: DS

Konrad Jakubowski
: Freshman
: Dist.

#22 Daniel Tewogbade
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: CG