Sports Beyond Borders
November 1, 2, 8, and 9 | Queen’s University Belfast – Physical Education Centre (PEC)
👉 Register Your Team Here
Our Story: How BIG Began
Every weekend in Belfast, a familiar pattern emerged. Local students would head home, and many of us, international students, found ourselves with time but without our usual circles of friends.
We asked ourselves: what do we do when language, culture, and background feel different, yet we still want to connect?
The answer was simple: sports.
On the courts and pitches, there were no barriers. A football, a basketball, a badminton racket — these became the tools of community. We did not need to share the same language to share a laugh, a victory, or even the sting of a narrow defeat.
What started as a small way to fill lonely weekends grew into something much bigger: a tradition of togetherness. It showed us that sport is a universal medium, a place where no one is left out and everyone belongs.
That tradition is now the Belfast International Games (BIG).
From those humble beginnings, BIG has grown into one of Belfast’s largest student-led international sports festival, bringing together hundreds of athletes and spectators from over 30+ countries. At its heart, it is still about the same thing: making sure no one has to feel alone, because sport gives us all a place to belong.
Why BIG Matters
-
For Athletes: A chance to test your skills against international opponents and compete for a share of our £1,000+ prize pool.
-
For Students and Community: A space to connect, cheer, and experience the energy of global friendship in action.
-
For Partners: A platform to reach a diverse, engaged audience while supporting inclusivity, sport, and community spirit in Belfast.
BIG is not just about the scoreboard. It is about building friendships across borders, creating unforgettable memories, and showing the true meaning of sport: unite, compete, celebrate.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Physical Education Centre (PEC)
🗓 Dates:
-
Football: Saturday, November 1st
-
Badminton: Sunday, November 2nd
-
Basketball: Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 9th
🎫 Team Registration: Limited slots available - secure yours asap
Be Part of the Story
When you register your team, you are not just entering a competition. You are stepping into a story that began with a handful of students who wanted to connect through sport.
When you come as a spectator, you are not just coming to watch a match. You are joining a celebration of cultures, unity, and friendships that continue to grow every year.
This is your invitation to experience what we have built together.
👉 Do not just watch the story of BIG. Play your part in it.
Proudly hosted by the Indonesian Society at Queen’s University Belfast.
Follow us on Instagram at @ppibelfast for more updates!