Media Release
Udupi, Oct 29: St Mary’s English Medium School showcases athletic prowess and team spirit at the Annual Sports Day, a grand celebration held over two days in St Mary's School on October 27 and 28.
The inaugural ceremony took place on October 27, at St Mary's Auditorium, despite heavy rain. The programme was graced by Fr Charles Menezes, president of the programme and correspondent of St Mary's Educational institutions, the chief guest Rohan Karamballi, assistant parish priest Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi Fr Leo Praveen Dsouza, Maxim Dsouza, and Col Dr Arthur Rodrigues, vice president and secretary PPC, Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi respectively along with principal Fr Vijay Joyson D'Souza and vice principal Rita Quadros.
The event began with a soulful prayer song by the school choir, setting a reverent tone for the ceremony. Gerald Pinto, head of the physical education department, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants. The school band escorted the guests to the dais, adding to the ceremonial ambiance.
The highlight of the inauguration was the flag hoisting ceremony, followed by the torch relay which was led by Avya M Kanchan of grade 10 who took part in the National Sports Meet held at Varanasi and the members of the Volleyball team of the school who represented the school at the National level last year, and handing over of the torch to the chief guest, Rohan Karamballi, who declared the sports meet open.
The sports minister, Prinson D’Souza, administered the oath-taking ceremony, pledging the participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. The chief guest was felicitated and, in his speech, he asked the students to give their best in the event they are taking part. In his presidential address Fr Charles Menezes told the students to grab the opportunities and to fly high.
The ceremony concluded with the release of balloons into the sky, symbolising the commencement of the sports extravaganza after which students enthusiastically participated in various track and field events even though it was raining.
The valedictory ceremony was held on October 28. Ashwini the physical education teacher welcomed the gathering. The chief guest, Rahul Shetty, alumnus of the school and the president of the programme, Fr Charles Menezes, honoured individual champions and presented awards to the winners and gave their messages to the students on the occasion.
The students showcased their marching and mass drill skills in a disciplined and synchronized display, house-wise. The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the flag by the correspondent, handing over of the flag to the chief guest, and declaring the closure of the meet.
The principal extinguished the flame, marking the official end of the sports day celebrations. Shantha, physical education teacher, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and guests.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem. The whole programme was anchored by Usha Hegde, Eunice Anchan and Glen Veigas.
The Annual Sports Day was a grand success, showcasing the school's commitment to fostering athletic talent and teamwork. The event was a testament to the students' hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.