Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 20: The Annual Sports Meet of Mount Carmel Central School for classes V to XII was held at Mangala Stadium on Friday October 18. It was an event not only to promote sports as just an activity to engage in, but rather as an opportunity to excel in body, mind and spirit.

The Sports Meet set off on a spectacular note, with the House Platoons marching to the tune of a well-synchronized and lively school band. The chief guest Tanvi Jagadish, International Standup Paddle Racer, received the salute from the marching teams and hoisted the school flag. The opening ceremony began with an invocation for God’s blessings on the day. The audience was welcomed by a graceful dance followed by the welcome address by the principal, Sr Melissa.

In her address, she encouraged the students to stay committed to excellence, to celebrate defeat as well as victories which later will hold in good stead. The flame for the sports meet, lit at the Chapel of Ladyhill Convent was brought to the field by the athletes who were welcomed with deafening applause.

The chief guest declared the sports meet open, as five coloured balloons symbolizing the five colours of the houses, were released into the sky. The oath-taking was then led by the sports secretary, Hashir Suleman Sheikh. The mass drill exercises of the little ones boosted the spirit of the day.

In her address, the chief guest explained in brief, about the unusual sport in which she has excelled – Standup Paddling. In her words, "Girls with dreams become women with vision." She urged the students to start working toward their dream.

The winners of various team games were felicitated by the chief guest. The athletic events, track such as 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metre races followed by field events like long jump and shot put took place side by side.

An unfortunate turn of events found the athletes drenched in the sudden downpour and the true spirit of the sportsperson was put to the test when despite the rains, the show continued as athletes bravely completed most of the events chalked out for the day, except the relay races which had to be cancelled due to unrelenting weather. The flame which was lit by human hands was put out by nature.

Towards the end of the day, the staff too had a few events like 200 mts race, 100 mts brisk walk and relay which they enjoyed to the full. The flag was lowered to the tune of ‘Abide with me’ and handed over to the principal by the PET’s. The day ended with the singing of the National Anthem.