The Annual Sports Day of Lourdes Central School unfolded with grandeur and enthusiasm – KONKANCATHOLIC.COM

The Annual Sports Day of Lourdes Central School unfolded with grandeur and enthusiasm

November 25, 2024

Mangaluru: The Annual Sports Day of Lourdes Central School unfolded with grandeur and enthusiasm at the Mangala Stadium on 25th November at 8:15 a.m. Gracing the event with their presence were esteemed dignitaries on the dais, including Mr. Ronald Silvan Dsouza, Founder and Executive Director of Leksa Lighting Technologies Pvt Ltd, the Chief Guest. Accompanying him were Rev. Dr. John Baptist Saldanha, Manager LCS, Rev. Fr. Johnson Sequeira, Principal, Mr. Ashok Pinto, Vice President, Ms. Cynthia Avita Pinto, Secretary of Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, Vice Principals Ms. Belita Mascarenhas and Ms. Anita Thomas, and convener Mr. Vishwanath Devadiga. They were led to the dais by the School Sports Ministers, Pareekshith U.P. and Deeya Alva, escorted by the rhythmic beats of the school band.

The day commenced with a prayer song, invoking divine blessings for the success of the event. The harmonious voices of the school choir set a serene tone, preparing the audience for the energetic day ahead.

The much-anticipated March Past was a grand display of coordination and teamwork, led by Head Boy H Adesh Rao and Head Girl Diya N. Yashodhar, followed by the spirited contingents of Opal, Coral, Jade, and Amber Houses, each upholding their unique mottos and values. The marchers’ synchronized movements exemplified discipline and unity, making it a memorable spectacle.

The School Flag was ceremonially carried by the exceptional achievers in sports, including Anaagha Rajesh, a skating champion; Ania Mascarenhas, a state-level badminton player; Athish Shetty, a national medalist in kickboxing and karate; and Ghayan, a talented karate champion. The chief guest then raised the flag. The Sports Torch was carried by a series of outstanding athletes, including skater P. Shalom Christan, chess prodigy Shriyana S. Mallya, badminton champion Amanraj, star swimmer Ayushmaan, and Ridhi Chowta, an exceptional athlete who brought laurels to the school at the CBSE National Athletic Championship. The Chief Guest then declared Sports Day open and released balloons, symbolizing hope, freedom, and new beginnings. The day’s events also featured an impressive mass drill, where students showcased their harmony and discipline, creating a visually captivating performance.

Rev. Fr. Arul Joseph, in his welcome address, warmly welcomed the guests and participants.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Mr. Ronald Silvan D’Souza, shared his inspiring life journey and encouraged students to pursue their passions with determination and perseverance. Reflecting on the privileges available to students today, he emphasized the importance of gratitude and focus.

Mr. D’Souza illustrated his message with vivid examples from nature. He spoke about the eagle, known for its determination to soar high, undistracted by smaller birds. He also described the bamboo, which grows with resilience and strength, firmly rooting itself deep into the ground.

Urging the students to emulate these qualities, he encouraged them to be resilient like bamboo and focused like the eagle, inspiring them to aim high and work toward success.

In his presidential address, Rev. Dr. John Baptist Saldanha motivated the students with his insightful and encouraging words. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and urged students to actively engage in sports and physical activities.

Highlighting the significance of a balanced lifestyle, the Manager stressed the need to choose a nutritious diet while avoiding junk food. He reminded everyone that prioritizing health is the need of the hour and a vital foundation for overall well-being.

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Vishwanath Devadiga, the program convener and the House System Song, sung with enthusiasm by the students, added a sense of pride and unity to the occasion.

Ms Vivita Dsouza welcomed the gathering for the Valedictory Ceremony. Rev. Fr Johnson L Sequeira, the Principal; Mrs Belita Mascarenhas and Mrs Anitha Thomas, the Vice Principals felicitated the winners of the relay and individual champions.

Individual Champions are as follows:

Class VI Category
GIRLS: P JENISHA of Coral House
Boys: VEDANTH SHAILESH SASHIHITAL of Amber House
Class VII & VIII Category
Girls: SINCHANA SUNIL SHETTY of Amber House
BOYS: NIREEKSHITH U P OF Opal House
Class IX & X Category
GIRLS: RIDHI CHOWTA of Opal House
BOYS: RITHVIK SINDHURAM PUTHRAN of Amber House
Class XI & XII Category :
GIRLS: KYRA HANSIKA PRASAD of Amber House
BOYS: MITHIRAN A of Opal House

The Rolling Shield was awarded to Amber House and the Runners Up Shield to Opal House. The Best March Past trophy was awarded to Opal House.

In his concluding address, Principal, Rev. Fr. Johnson L Sequeira, commended the outstanding dedication and effort of the P.E. Teachers, as well as the remarkable contributions of both teaching and non-teaching staff. He praised the exceptional discipline demonstrated by the students and encouraged them to aspire to greatness as sportspersons. Furthermore, he congratulated the winners and urged them to continue raising the Lourdite flag with pride and excellence.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. Vishwanath Devadiga, the Convenor of the Annual Sports Day 2024. The ceremonial lowering of the School Flag, marking the conclusion of the event, was carried out with due reverence in the presence of the Principal and Vice Principals. The program officially concluded with the National Anthem.

The event was anchored by Ms. Shaila Periera, Ms. Seema Madtha, and Ms.Vivita Dsouza . The Annual Sports Day 2024 was expertly organized under the leadership of Mr. Vishwanath Devadiga and Mr. Veerendra Alva, the Convenors of the event.

The day was a resounding success, reflecting the energy, talent, and sportsmanship of the students of Lourdes Central School, reinforcing the belief that the true essence of sports lies in participation, teamwork, and perseverance.