Not every introduction starts with a handshake. Some start with a frisbee throw that misses its target, followed by laughter from both teams. That was what happened on Saturday morning, October 17, 2026, when about 27 U-GIS members gathered at Pasaga UNPAR for U-GIS Sports Day 2026.
From 08.00 to 11.00 WIB, frisbee was the main event. The activity gave U-GIS members a short break from their routines and a relaxed way to get closer to new and existing members. Two international students, Husain from Pakistan (Faculty of Economics and Business) and Nasuha, joined the game and played alongside other participants. Meanwhile, Libuyile from Eswatini (Faculty of Psychology) also participated by watching the game and cheering on the players.
A Campus Open to the World
On the field, Husain and Nasuha played alongside their fellow U-GIS members. They passed the frisbee to one another, cheered each other on, and laughed together, without any language or cultural barriers. Meanwhile, Libuyile showed her support by watching the game. Together, these moments reflected how a simple activity could bring students closer, even when they came from different backgrounds.
For prospective international students and partners, this reflects what life at Unisba can be like: friendly, welcoming, and inclusive.
As a community that supports internationalization, U-GIS plays an important role in fostering this environment. Building connections across backgrounds does not always have to happen through formal events or serious discussions. Sometimes, it starts with simple activities that are already part of everyday student life.
Learning While Playing
Before the game started, participants were shown how to throw and catch a frisbee, followed by a warm-up session. This allowed even those who were holding a frisbee for the first time to join in. The participants were then divided into two teams and competed against each other to score points.
What made the game enjoyable was that differences in experience did not matter. Beginners could jump right in, while those who were already familiar with the sport helped keep the atmosphere lively. During the game, participants had to communicate, pay attention to their teammates’ positions, and work together.
These interactions made it natural for participants to get to know one another. Becoming closer does not always require a long conversation. Sometimes, it comes from cheering each other on, laughing together, or simply enjoying a game.
In Line with the SDGs
This activity connects to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Through frisbee, participants were encouraged to stay active while having fun. Exercise does not always have to involve intense training or a major competition. Simple, relaxed activities can also help people stay fit and build a more active lifestyle.
Sports Day also created an opportunity for participants to connect socially, making the experience about more than just physical activity.
Stories from the Field
After the game, the committee handed out small snack prizes to appreciate the participants. There were four award categories: the MVP of Team 1 was awarded to Rady from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Rookie of the Match for Team 1 was awarded to Dilla from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Science, MVP of Team 2 was awarded to Adhisty from the Faculty of Sharia, and Rookie of Team 2 was awarded to Chairaputri from the Faculty of Communication Science.
For Rady, receiving the MVP award came as a surprise. He expressed his gratitude to the committee and his teammates.
“Thank you to the Algojos and everyone. I never expected to win the MVP prize, especially since I do feel like I’m actually good. Thank you also to Pak Rama and my team.” — Rady, Faculty of Economics and Business
Chairaputri won the Rookie of Team 2 award during her first time playing frisbee. She was happy to try a new sport with her friends.
“Thank you to the Algojos, everyone, Pak Rama, and Pacemaker for making today super fun! This was my first time playing frisbee, and it turned out to be really exciting. I hope events like this keep happening!” — Chairaputri, Faculty of Communication Science
Adhisty, MVP of Team 2, also shared her appreciation. For her, Sports Day was not just about exercising but also about enjoying the experience and being appreciated for her participation.
“First of all, thank you to the Algojos for giving us the chance to exercise today and for the wonderful prizes. Thank you to everyone who made it lively. You’re the best!” — Adhisty, Faculty of Sharia
Dilla enjoyed the game, both playing with her own team and competing against the other team.
“No need for many words, just real action. Thank you so much to the committee, my friends, and even the opposing team. All in all, today was really fun!” — Dilla, Faculty of Pharmacy and Science
Rafid from the Faculty of Communication Science left with a memorable impression of how the event helped participants get to know one another.
“Through this Frisbee Sports Day, I got to learn how to play frisbee and get to know everyone better. Since we had to call each other by name during the game, I also got to
learn everyone’s names. I want to say thank you so much to the Algojos, especially Hani and Nadya.” — Rafid, Faculty of Communication Science
Behind the Event: The Algojos’ Reflections
Beyond the participants’ experiences, Sports Day was also meaningful for the committee members who helped organize the event.
Hani, one of the Algojos, shared how surprised and happy she was to see the event turn out so well.
“It was such an enjoyable experience! Honestly, I didn’t expect so many people to attend, and I was genuinely surprised by how well everything turned out. Looking back, I’m proud that the event went so well and provided everyone with such a memorable experience. Although Sports Day was a great success, there’s always room for improvement. Hopefully, the next Sports Day will be even more exciting and better than ever!” — Hani, Algojo Sports Day
For Nadya, being part of the organizing committee was an opportunity to see how a simple sporting activity could bring people together.
“Being part of the Sports Day committee was such a fun and meaningful experience for me. I’m really happy to see everyone enjoying the game, supporting one another, and getting to know each other along the way. It was also great to see students from different faculties and backgrounds come together through a simple activity like frisbee. Hopefully, Sports Day can continue to bring people closer and create even more memorable experiences in the future!” — Nadya, Algojo Sports Day
More Than Just a Game
Based on the participants’ comments, it is clear that everyone came away with a different impression. Some were happy to win an award, some enjoyed playing frisbee for the first time, some finally learned their friends’ names, and others simply enjoyed spending time together, even with the opposing team.
For the committee, the event was also a rewarding experience and a reminder that there is always room to make future activities even better.
Through Sports Day 2026, U-GIS showed that a simple activity can open up many opportunities: staying active, trying new things, learning to work together, and making friends across faculties and countries. These experiences reflect the spirit of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, while also fostering a more inclusive and connected campus community.
In the end, Sports Day was not just about who scored the most points or took home a prize. People may come to play, but what makes them want to come back is the experience of being together. From a single frisbee throw, U-GIS showed how friendships across cultures can begin and continue long after the game is over.
