Team Canada brings home silver and bronze, representing the nation on the world stage of geography
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, Canada — August 19, 2025 — Four of Canada’s brightest young geography students have returned home after representing the nation at the 21st International Geography Olympiad (iGEO2025) in Bangkok, Thailand — and they did not come back empty-handed. Eric Lu of Vancouver secured a silver medal, while Raashid Azeem Ahamed of Oakville earned bronze, competing against over 179 students from 47 countries.
Hosted from July 26 to August 1, the iGEO is the world’s premier geography competition for students aged 16–19. Participants, chosen from thousands in their respective national competitions, face three demanding challenges: a written test, a multimedia test, and an extensive fieldwork exercise. The program also fosters cross-cultural friendships and global understanding through poster presentations, networking, and cultural exchanges.
This year’s Team Canada, supported by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), included:
- Eric Lu, Grade 11, Stratford Hall School, Vancouver, BC – Silver Medalist, 35th overall
- Raashid Azeem Ahamed, Grade 12, White Oaks Secondary School, Oakville, ON – Bronze Medalist, 78th overall
- Aarush Behal, Grade 12, White Oaks Secondary School, Oakville, ON
- Harry Lu, Grade 12, Markville Secondary School, Markham, ON
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the Opening Ceremony at the Auditorium of Chulalongkorn University. Chulalongkorn University hosted the event in honour of Her Royal Highness’s 70th birthday, bringing together international youth to compete, share knowledge, and build cross-cultural understanding through geography.
“To make Team Canada, these students completed a gruelling series of tests — from a nationwide multimedia quiz to intensive written and fieldwork challenges,” said Michelle Chaput, Director of Research and Education at RCGS. “They humbled us with their knowledge, dedication, and sportsmanship. The world is lucky to have them.”
Beyond competition, the iGEO was a transformative experience for the team.
“The challenges were tough, the learning was eye-opening, and meeting students from all over the world was unforgettable,” said Aarush Behal.
“Alongside the education, the friendships formed have shown me that the world can be a more understanding place,” added teammate Harry Lu.
John Geiger, CEO of the RCGS, praised the students’ achievements:
“These young men embody the values of our society and prove that geography is an invaluable skill for engaged global citizens.”
The 2025 iGEO marks Canada’s continued success since joining the competition in 2018, thanks to the leadership of long-time coaches Paul VanZant and Janet Ruest, and the unwavering commitment of students who balance intense preparation with school and extracurriculars.
This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the RCGS’s friends at Kensington and the Trebek Family Foundation. Both organizations share a deep belief in empowering young people to follow their dreams, using geography as a bridge to greater cultural understanding and collaboration. Their commitment to fostering geographic literacy and global citizenship is helping to shape a brighter, more connected future.
Educators, extracurricular leaders, and homeschool teachers are encouraged to explore the Canadian Geographic Challenge — the national competition that serves as the first step toward representing Canada at the iGEO. Open to students in Grades 4–12, the Challenge offers multiple levels to suit different ages and abilities, inspiring curiosity about the world while building critical thinking and mapping skills. Learn more at www.challenge.canadiangeographic.ca.
About the Royal Canadian Geographical Society
Founded in 1929, the RCGS is one of Canada’s largest non-profit educational organizations dedicated to fostering a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Canada’s geography. Through education, exploration, and storytelling, the Society inspires Canadians to value and protect their landscapes, peoples, and cultures.
Media Contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Vice President, External
Royal Canadian Geographical Society
50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1
(613) 240-6739
