More than just a sports tournament, Adventist National Games (ANG) is where community, competition, and faith come together—and this year, it was bigger and better than ever.
Held from May 18 to May 20 on the campus of Avondale University and Avondale School, the third annual ANG brought together 240 students from 11 Adventist schools across Australia to compete, connect, and worship. The event demonstrated the commitment of teachers in Seventh-day Adventist schools around the country to nurturing the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. A special mention should be attributed to high school teacher Karlie Fraser, the late Wayne Ferris and Avondale School for initiating and supporting this incredible event.
What began in 2023 with just 110 students has more than doubled in just three years, showing the incredible momentum behind this initiative. From Year 7 to Year 12, students laced up their shoes for spirited competitions in basketball and volleyball, with games that were both fiercely contested and full of encouragement.
A Holistic Experience
Beyond the courts, ANG is about spiritual growth and student well-being. Each day began with a worship service led by Avondale University alumni Pastor Robby Morgan. University students also joined in leading the morning worship, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection across generations. Meals were a shared experience, with breakfast sponsored by Sanitarium and hosted by Avondale Uni Church and lunch and dinner provided by 7 at Avondale.
Recognising Leadership and Values
A standout moment of the Adventist National Games was the presentation of the Lift Your Life Scholarship—an award that recognises Year 12 students who demonstrate not only athletic skill, but also leadership, spiritual commitment, and a focus on wellbeing.
Sponsored by The Lift Project—an evidence-based wellbeing program designed to lift individuals, groups, organisations and communities—the two scholarship of $1,000 each, go toward the recipient’s tuition in their first year of study at Avondale University.
This year’s deserving recipients were Hayley Dougles from Central Coast Adventist School and Sam Borgas from Edinburgh College. Each was nominated by staff from their own school and others, in recognition of how they embodied the values of Avondale University by supporting teammates and demonstrating leadership throughout the weekend.
The scholarships were awarded by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson and Avondale School Principal Mrs Debra Cooper, who also presented medals to tournament winners and runners-up.
Building Community, Shaping the Future
Adventist National Games is about creating a community of faith and friendship among students from diverse regions—while also giving them a taste of university life at Avondale. Students shared how much they appreciated the competitive spirit, the chance to meet peers from other schools, and the welcoming environment that Avondale University provided.
As we look ahead, events like ANG continue to remind us that education is more than academics—it’s about belonging, growth, and impact. Avondale is proud to host and support initiatives like this that align with our mission to develop whole-person leaders ready to serve and inspire.