Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 5: Young aspiring shuttlers from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts showcased their skills on Saturday August 5, as 'Badminton Bedazzle', an under-14 category inter-school shuttle badminton championship for ICSE and CBSE schools of the twin districts, hosted by the city's Lourdes Central School, got off to a splendid start at US Mallya Indoor Stadium here.
Fr William Menezes, public relations officer, diocese of Mangaluru, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.
The tournament was inaugurated by chief guest and dignitaries with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Fr William Menezes welcomed the budding sportsmen of various schools of Udupi and DK, and encouraged in them the spirit of sportsmanship. He instructed each participant to play wholeheartedly and make their school and country proud.
After inaugurating the programme, he addressed the gathering and said, "I wish the very best to all players taking part in this competition. Badminton superstar Saina Nehwal has set a standard for success in the sport for the present generation. To be successful, I urge students not to get into any addiction but focus on your career. For a sportsman, gaining and maintaining a well-built physique is a must. The management of Lourdes Central School is doing a tremendous job is the field of sports and in extra-curricular activities."
Fr Wilson Vitus L D’Souza, manager of LCS presided over the programme. He urged the students to develop values, exhibit talents through healthy competition and also celebrate the success of others. "Today is the day of celebrating and exhibiting talents. You should always feel happy for others' success and praise each other. This is the true spirit of sportsmanship. Competition must be held with the self, to improve the past records. One ought to encourage others to excel in a healthy competition."
Fr Robert D'Souza, the principal of LCS, welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest, and cheered all the participants, asking them to involve themselves completely in the sport, for making the mega event a grand success.
A total of 26 boys' and 20 girls' teams participated in the tournament.
The esteemed guests, participants and team managers were welcomed. The tournament began by invoking God’s blessing with a prayer song by students of LCS, with the guidance of the music maestro Ivan Mascarenhas.
Tournament convener Vishwanath led the dignitaries to inaugurate the event by serving over the net, thus opening the tournament.
The referees Gautham Shetty, C Sagar, Sharath, Santhosh, Vishal, Chethan and Vivek took charge of the tournament.
Lenet Pereira compered the programme. Grace Roche proposed the vote of thanks.
Stany Vas, vice president of parish pastoral committee, Bejai parish, Fr Maxim D'Souza, principal of St Don Bosco School, convenor Vishwanath Devadiga, Veerendra Alva, and the Managing Committee members of LCS were present on the dais.