AEFE Sporting Competitions: An Outstanding Year for the Flames

At the LFC, unlike most private schools in the region and across the U.S., our students benefit from excellent sporting opportunities thanks to the AEFE network (Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger). Similar to elsewhere, they begin sports at an early age thanks to their PE curriculum and, starting in fifth grade, can join either one team or individual sport per season as an extracurricular activity within the Flames program. One of the highlights of an LFC education is the ability to take part in AEFE sporting competitions among French schools in North America or around the world! Currently, our worldwide school network includes 600 schools across 138 countries—representing a total of 398,000 students.

Imagine the pride and joy our students feel participating in athletic tournaments both in the U.S. and abroad, going head-to-head against peers from different backgrounds, but who all share their same passion for their sport. The most recent AEFE competition took place in Panama at the beginning of April, where the Flames brought home the overall gold medal! Six of our eighth- and ninth-graders competed in the first-ever Jeux inter-Amériques organized by the Lycée Français International de Panamá. Over the course of a week, our young athletes–Ainslie B., Skylar G., Vivian H., Lucas N., Kiran P. and Neel P.– competed against students from 15 French schools in South, Central and North America, challenging them in a variety of events including a triathlon, ultimate frisbee, acro-dance and an obstacle course. They pushed themselves to the limit and became champions of the Americas! Incredible! If you combine these challenges with the new cultural discoveries and friendships, these sporting trips are truly an amazing experience for each and every participant, bringing memories to last a lifetime.

Throughout the year, our athletes have shone like never before—both in North America and abroad. Well done to our players! Their record at the end of the AEFE 2024-25 competitions is nothing short of impressive: 

• AEFE Volleyball Tournament in Washington D.C. (open to North American high school students)
  • Gold medal for our high school girls' varsity team
  • Gold medal for our high school boys' varsity team
• AEFE Basketball Tournament in Chicago (open to North American middle school students)
  • Gold medal for our middle school boys' varsity team
• AEFE Jeux inter-Amériques (open to North American students in Grades 8-9)
  • Gold medal overall

Without a doubt, the Flames’ international success benefits our school’s reputation beyond Chicago. Year after year, the LFC wins more and more titles in these competitions—earning a reputation within the network of schools which is hard to beat, no matter the sport. The quality education by our PE teachers and coaches guides our students towards success. An excellent year for the Flames, to be continued!