Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 24: St Agnes School (CBSE) Annual Sports Day unfolded with vibrance and vigour at the St Agnes PU Ground on November 21, transforming the arena into a celebration of discipline, teamwork and youthful dynamism.
The day-long event stood as a remarkable showcase of talent and sportsmanship, reflecting the institution’s commitment to holistic education and its vision to nurture strength, integrity, and excellence.
The celebration commenced with a ceremonious guard of honour, impeccably presented by the school band under the able guidance of Vijay, as they escorted the dignitaries and set the tone for the day’s significance.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, the president of the event, the chief guest Mary Hilda D’Souza, PTA vice president Pradeep Misquith, former officio member advocate Liston D’Souza, PTA associate secretary Reena Ranjith, principal Sr Maria Sarika AC, vice principal Sr Meena Fernandes AC, KG coordinator Sr Letitia AC and Sr Carmelrita, administrator of St Agnes College (Autonomous), were warmly welcomed as they proceeded with grace. The procession was led by the assistant head girl, Aaradhana Shetty, whose confident march added dignity and poise to the day’s celebrations.
A spectacular march past followed, preceded by the formal introduction of judges Bhavya, physical education instructor of St Agnes High School and Jayashree, physical education director of St Agnes PU College. Both were given a warm floral welcome by Tr Shobha and Tr Tejakshi.
The ceremonial flag was then carried with pride by Jehaan Isir (X), sports minister; Anwitha A (IX), deputy sports minister; and sports achievers Chinmayi (X) and Siona D’Souza (X). Under the narration of Tr Neesha, students from Grades 6 to 10 marched in their vibrant squads— Satya, Shanthi, Neethi and Daya,moving in perfect synchrony.
Each class reflected a unique theme through colour-coordinated props, creating a visually captivating display of school spirit and discipline. The blend of synchronised marching, thematic displays, and vibrant colours created an impressive spectacle of school spirit and unity.
The flag hoisting ceremony was then carried out with dignity by the president of the event, Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, accompanied by the dignitaries, as the school flag rose proudly against the morning sky. This was followed by the inspection of teams and a soothing prayer song, adding reverence and solemnity to the proceedings.
The formal welcome address by Sr Meena Fernandes AC, vice principal, introduced the dignitaries of the day—chief guest Mary Hilda D’Souza, PTA vice president Pradeep Misquith, former officio advocate Liston D’Souza, PTA associate secretary Reena Ranjith. Floral tributes were gracefully offered to the dignitaries. These thoughtful gestures added warmth and grace to the proceedings, which then continued with a graceful Welcome Dance, infusing the arena with colour, rhythm and festive charm.
Momentum built as the torch relay illuminated the ground, with Tr Daphny presenting the proceedings as the torchbearers advanced proudly. The sacred flame was carried by six exemplary Agnesian athletes Renisha Mathias (X), Aarvi Raj (VI), Drithi Shetty (X), Sweedal (VI), Abigail Michalya (IX) and Krithi S. Aithal (IV) each symbolising a core virtue of true sportsmanship. Following the relay, the athletes took the Sports Oath, pledging fairness and discipline for the events ahead.
The inauguration of the sports meet reached a symbolic high as vibrant helium balloons ascended gracefully, carrying beneath them the banner of the St Agnes School annual sports meet, a sight that beautifully reflected the aspirations and pride of the Agnesian family. Soon after, chief guest Mary Hilda D’Souza declared the Sports Meet open.
Mary Hilda D’Souza, recipient of the State-Level Florence Nightingale Award (2001) and the Krida Sadhaka Award, is an extraordinary Konkani personality and a distinguished athlete who has represented India internationally. A two-time winner at the Asia Masters Athletic Championship, she continues to excel in State and National Masters Athletics. In recognition of her remarkable accomplishments and invaluable contributions, the felicitation ceremony followed with Dr Sr Maria Roopa AC presenting a shawl, Ranjitha adorning her with a garland, adv Liston D’Souza offering a fruit basket, and Tr Josephine presenting the citation.
Following this warm tribute, Mary Hilda D’Souza addressed the gathering, reminding students that discipline and effort shape true excellence. She emphasised that a healthy mind rests on a healthy body, encouraging them to stay active as a safeguard against stress. Her message inspired the young athletes to pursue excellence with integrity.
The celebration then blossomed into a series of delightful performances. Students from grades 1 to 5 presented rhythmic drills from pom-poms and gloves to ribbons, hand fans and aerobics each radiating energy, coordination and youthful joy. The first phase of prize distribution applauded the accomplishments of budding athletes from KG to grade 10, with results gracefully announced by Tr Muriel, Tr Raina and Tr Shanti. Winners across a broad spectrum of track events, field events, team games, and recreational competitions were recognised, adding a spirited high point to the morning session. This was followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Tr Velony, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all dignitaries, participants, and supporters of the morning session.
The valedictory ceremony unfolded with renewed spirit as chief guest Pradeep D’Souza, deputy director, District Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, arrived for the closing session. He was joined by principal Sr Maria Sarika AC, vice principal Sr Meena Fernandes AC, PTA vice president Pradeep Misquith and former officio advocate Liston D’Souza. The dignitaries were ceremoniously escorted to the dais by the school’s brass band, marking an elegant commencement to the evening programme.
Following the formal arrival of the dignitaries, the much-awaited jumbled march set the tone with vibrant formations and coordinated movements that reflected the students’ enthusiasm and unity. This spirited display was followed by a graceful and expressive prayer dance, which invited the gathering into a moment of serenity and gratitude.
The welcome address was then delivered by coordinator Sr Lavi Shanthi, who extended warm regards to the dignitaries and acknowledged their constant encouragement and support. A floral welcome was also presented to the chief guest, adding a touch of ceremonial warmth to the proceedings. This led into the address by the chief guest, Pradeep D’Souza, who praised the students for their discipline and sportsmanship. He urged them to make sports a lifelong habit that nurtures resilience and teamwork, while also reminding them to balance screen time with healthier pursuits.
The final round of prize distribution celebrated the champions of the valedictory session, honouring outstanding achievements in team events, march past and the coveted individual and overall championships.
The awards were presented by the chief guest, in the presence of the dignitaries, marking a proud and memorable conclusion to the day’s sporting triumphs. A heartfelt Vote of Thanks was delivered by Tr Gulobia, expressing grateful appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event.
The ceremony then drew to its symbolic close with the extinguishing of the sports flame by Tr Salviya. This was followed by the lowering of the school flag by chief guest Pradeep D’Souza, accompanied by Tr Babitha and the student leaders, after which the folded flag was respectfully handed over to the principal for safekeeping until the next sports meet. The celebration concluded with the National Anthem, filling the ground with pride and a sense of shared accomplishment.
The programme was seamlessly compered by students Anvi S K and Ancia George of VIII C, along with Tanishka of IX C and Rushda Moosa of IX A, whose confident presentation and clarity added charm and coherence to the proceedings. The Annual Sports Day 2025–26 of St Agnes School (CBSE) concluded on a memorable note, celebrating healthy competition, teamwork, and enduring excellence.