St Mary’s School Celebrates Athletic Excellence at Annual Sports Day

St Mary’s English Medium School in Udupi held its Annual Sports Day on October 27 and 28, 2023, showcasing the athletic abilities and team spirit of its students. The event, celebrated over two days, included a formal inauguration despite heavy rain on the first day, underscoring the school’s commitment to fostering sportsmanship.

The ceremony commenced at the school’s auditorium with a warm welcome from Gerald Pinto, head of the physical education department. Dignitaries in attendance included Fr Charles Menezes, president of the programme, and Rohan Karamballi, assistant parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, who served as the chief guest. Other notable figures included Fr Leo Praveen Dsouza, Maxim Dsouza, and Col Dr Arthur Rodrigues.

A soulful prayer song performed by the school choir set a reverent tone for the event. Following this, the highlight of the inauguration was the flag hoisting ceremony, which transitioned into a torch relay led by Avya M Kanchan, a grade 10 student who recently participated in the National Sports Meet in Varanasi. The torch was handed over to Rohan Karamballi, who officially declared the sports meet open.

The event also included an oath-taking ceremony, administered by Prinson D’Souza, the sports minister, where participants pledged to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. In his speech, Rohan Karamballi encouraged students to perform their best during the events. Fr Charles Menezes, in his address, urged students to seize opportunities and aim high.

As the ceremony concluded, balloons were released into the sky, symbolizing the start of the sports activities. Despite the rain, students enthusiastically engaged in various track and field events, demonstrating resilience and dedication.

The valedictory ceremony, held on October 28, featured Rahul Shetty, an alumnus and president of the programme, as the chief guest. Ashwini, a physical education teacher, welcomed the gathering. Awards were presented to individual champions, recognizing the hard work and achievements of students during the sports meet. The students showcased their marching and mass drill skills in a disciplined display, representing their respective houses.

The formal proceedings concluded with the lowering of the flag by Fr Charles Menezes and the extinguishing of the flame by the principal, marking the official end of the celebrations. A vote of thanks was proposed by Shantha, another physical education teacher, who expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and guests. The event wrapped up with the National Anthem, highlighting the unity and sportsmanship within the school community.

The Annual Sports Day at St Mary’s English Medium School was a resounding success, reflecting the institution’s dedication to nurturing athletic talent and teamwork among its students.