Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 26: St Aloysius College Higher Primary School proudly hosted its much-anticipated annual sports meet 2024-25 at Mangala Stadium. The event was a magnificent celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork and the school’s unwavering commitment to holistic education.
The opening witnessed the dignitary’s ceremonial arrival, escorted by the school band with its rhythmic beats and a well-coordinated Scouts march. Leading the chief guest Manoj Kumar, mayor of Mangaluru City, correspondent and president of the event Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, headmistress Jositta Noronha, PTA cultural secretary Roopashree, SPL Bavish M and ASPL Rishon Steve D’Sa. The Scouts, in a slow march, gave the dignitaries a traditional and honorable welcome.
The event commenced with a vibrant parade by the house contingents - red, yellow, green and blue, led by their respective house leaders. The synchronized march-past, a stunning display of discipline and pride, saw the students saluting the dignitaries with heads held high and hearts brimming with enthusiasm. The school flag was then hoisted by the chief guest, Manoj Kumar, symbolizing the start of the day’s competitions.
The school choir set a serene and uplifting tone with a melodious prayer song, invoking blessings for a successful day. Jositta Noronha delivered the welcome address, while the ceremonial torch run, a symbol of unity and perseverance, captivated everyone’s attention. Teacher Irene Pais introduced the chief guest, who was felicitated and honored by the dignitaries.
In his inspiring address, Kumar praised the tradition of the school and expressed admiration for the students' vibrant and disciplined performances. The energy and precision of the march-past reflected the dedication to fostering talent and character. The Sports Day was officially declared open by the chief guest.
Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, in his motivational message, emphasized the importance of balancing academics with extracurricular pursuits. "Participation matters more than winning, as sports teach invaluable life lessons of resilience and teamwork,” he reminded the students. Sports leader Mayola Primal Pinto then led the athletes in the solemn oath-taking ceremony, pledging fairness and sportsmanship.
Adding a cultural touch to the occasion, the class 5 students delivered a spellbinding performance to the song ‘We are the Dreamers’. The athletic events, the highlight of the day, saw students competing with boundless energy and unrelenting determination.
The following students emerged as individual champions:
• Class 5: Shaswath and Grace Ajith
• Class 6: Lanwil Kenneth D’Souza and Nidhi Kiran Sirsikar
• Class 7: Kaushal Banjan and Sherona D’Souza
The blue house secured the overall championship trophy with an impressive tally of 116 points, igniting jubilant celebrations among its members.
The closing ceremony, was graced by Fr Balraj SJ, the secretary and treasurer of MJES, Fr Johnson Pinto SJ, Jositta Noronha, Roopashree, SPL Bavish Mohandas, and ASPL Rishon Steve D’Sa. The dignitaries marched to the stage amidst resounding applause, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion.
The ceremony opened with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome address by Jositta Noronha. Fr Balraj SJ, in his address, underscored the importance of physical fitness and the spirit of sportsmanship. He encouraged students to embrace an active lifestyle and strive for excellence not just locally but on international platforms.
The much-awaited prize distribution ceremony saw the winners of the 4x100m relay and individual champions receiving medals, trophies and certificates amidst thunderous cheers from their peers. The joy on the winners and the camaraderie among the houses embodied the true essence of sportsmanship.
In a solemn moment, the school flag was lowered by Fr Balraj SJ and was handed over to the headmistress, symbolizing the official closure of the meet. The ceremonial torch, which had been ablaze throughout the day was extinguished by Padmanabam, marking the end of the event.
The programme was seamlessly compered by Shoba Pinto and Poornima, while Liya D’Souza expressed gratitude in a heartfelt vote of thanks. The event concluded with the National Anthem, leaving an indelible impression on all present.
The annual sports meet 2024-25 was not merely a celebration of physical prowess but also a testament to the vision of the school nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to take on challenges with vigor and determination.