History

HOPE International School's athletic program has continued to see growth in both athletic ability and the number of students involved. Since the expansion of the school, HOPE has prioritized fostering a culture of well-being, with a strong emphasis on physical education across all grade levels. This commitment has fueled participation and growth in our competitive sports program. 

HOPE Houses and Sports Day

Sports Day begun in Hope's second year, which would quickly became a school tradition. This day, HOPE transforms from a place of academics to an exciting day for sports competitions across all grades. The school community is represented in four houses - Hammond, Ellison, Verner, and Comarck - names that commemorate the legacy of missionaries of Cambodia. 

HOPE and the Koupreys 

The Kouprey, an extinct Cambodian ox, was selected by students as the official mascot, and a logo rebrand was completed in 2022. 

The Kouprey has been the National Mammal of Cambodia since a Royal decree in 2005. It is described as a Grey Ox, robust in appearance, strong, agile, resilient, and powerful, yet gentle in temperament and not abusive of other animals. These are the very traits we aim to cultivate in our HOPE Koupreys as they represent our school in the wider sporting world in Phnom Penh and the region, where secondary students have numerous opportunities to compete throughout the year.  Find out a little more about the Kouprey here.

HOPE and PPAC8 (Previously ISSAPP)

In 2014, HOPE was one of the four schools that launched International Schools Sports Association of Phnom Penh (ISSAPP) alongside Athletic School Directors from ISPP, NISC, and Logos.  This is when HOPE began entering teams across five sports; volleyball, basketball, football (soccer), cross country and swimming. ISSAPP grew to include 14 schools in the 2024-2025 school year which caused the need for two divisions to be created. It was a challenge finding facilities to house the competition with over 2000 students involved in the ISSAPP Conference. 

 At the end of 2025 a decision was made to divide the competition into 2 groups and the Phnom Penh Activities Community 8 was born. PPAC8 involves 8 International Schools around the city including; Logos, NISC, ISPP, Liger, East West, AISPP, CIS and HOPE. 

HOPE and ACSC II

In 2023, HOPE was invited to be part of the Asia Christian Schools Conference Division II (ACSC II) to provide sport, ministry, cultural, and relational opportunities for students in Asia International Evangelical Christian high schools through volleyball, basketball, and soccer by means of a Trisport tournament. The first time the Koupreys travelled for an international competition was in 2024 at Oasis International School, Kuala Lumpar Malaysia. Each year in October/November HOPE Coaches along with the Athletic Director and Principal choose 30 High School students to attend this tournament. (15 boys and 15 girls). They are accompanied by a team of coaches to support them throughout the week. The trip is held annually in late February/early March. 

2025 Morrison Academy Kaohsiung, Taiwan 

2026 International Christian School of Udon Thani, Thailand

2027 Morrison Academy Taipei, Taiwan