ISLAMABAD — Westminster International School, Bahria Campus, wrapped up its five-day interschool festival, Phoenix Fest and Mavericks 2026, drawing participation from more than 40 schools and over 2,500 students from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The event combined sports competitions with academic and creative contests, offering students a platform to demonstrate talent, teamwork and leadership. Pakistan’s national tennis player Sara Mansoor attended the opening ceremony as guest of honour and formally inaugurated the festival.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to promote balanced student development by integrating athletics, arts and intellectual activities within a competitive interschool setting.
Wide range of sporting events
Students competed in cricket, basketball, volleyball and table tennis, alongside futsal, arm wrestling, chess, calisthenics, foosball and tug of war. E-gaming contests were also part of the programme.
For the first time, paddle was introduced to the sports lineup, expanding athletic participation opportunities across different age groups.
Academic and artistic competitions
Under the Mavericks category, students took part in art competitions, story writing, poetry recitation, singing contests and chess championships. The programme included both curricular and co-curricular activities designed to highlight diverse skills.
School representatives said the festival encouraged sportsmanship, discipline and collaboration among participating institutions from the twin cities.
The closing ceremony was attended by faculty members, school officials and parents, marking the conclusion of one of the larger interschool events held in the region this year.
