Sports Challenge Gift

In gratitude to IC and Rev. Alexander MacLachlan, the former prisoners of war sent the school in Paradise a sterling silver Challenge Cup. The 26-inch high cup bears the following inscription in bold: “I WAS IN PRISON AND YE CAME UNTO ME”

On the face of the cup is another inscription: “BRITISH OFFICER PRISONERS OF WAR SPORTS CHALLENGE CUP FOR BEST ALL-ROUND STUDENT OF THE YEAR.”

And beneath is the following: “Presented to the International College at Paradise, Smyrna, by the British officers who, with their men, enjoyed the hospitality of the college and experienced the splendid charity of the college staff, during the last and happiest weeks of their long captivity in Turkey, through the years of the Great War 1914-1918.”

On the other side of the cup’s face represents the main building of the College. On either side of the pedestal base, on which the cup rests, is a figure in solid sterling silver of a wounded British officer, and on the opposite side a similar figure of a wounded Indian officer. The cover of the cup is surmounted by another figure in solid silver representing the angel of Mercy with outstretched wings. The Cup was designed and made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co., Ltd., of Regent Street, London.

Have you seen this cup?

During the move from Turkey to Beirut, The Silver Sterling British Officer’s Sports Challenge Cup went missing along with a stained glass window made in memory of students who served in the war. According to the late Dr. Howard Reed, the grandson of IC’s Founder, Rev. Alexander MacLachlan, the cup was very dear to his grandfather’s heart. Reed had asked IC in Beirut to look for it. The campus was searched, including attics and basements, but the Cup has not been found.

If you have seen or know of the whereabouts of the Challenge Cup, please contact Reem Haddad at: rhaddad@ic.edu.lb