A Time to Shine on the Field
The beautiful Saturday morning, the vibrant colors of the students in their house T-shirts, the underlying excitement and the pulsating atmosphere all said only one thing – Sports Day! The weather kept everyone guessing, but the cheering crowds and the unwavering spirit of every Josephite took the field. It is rightly said that the SJBHS Annual Athletic Meet, held this year on September 2, 2023, has a magic of its own!
The event commenced with the opening ceremony. Our Principal, Fr. Sunil Fernandes SJ, along with the Vice Principal, Mr. Brian Mckertish escorted the Chief Guest Mr. Anup Dutt, Director Finance Cyient Limited / Old Boy batch of 1998; the OBA President Dr. Praveen Rodrigues, the PTA Vice President Mr. Arvind Gowda; and the PTA Secretary Ms. Priya Darshini; through the ceremonial guard of honor, and into the VIP enclosure.
The prayer that followed called on the Almighty to guard, protect and bless the athletes. The school flag, that was unfurled, fluttered with the pride and loyalty of every Josephite. The Welcome Address by the Principal encouraged the athletes to believe in the Olympics motto Faster Higher Stronger - Together.
As the Chief Guest declared the Meet open, a pair of doves were released to signify peace, harmony, and freedom of the youth. The ceremonial torch was carried by athletes who have scripted their victories at State and National Meets. As the cauldron was lit, the oath was taken which heralded the commencement of the track events. The venue, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, resonated with the announcements for the races, the cheers from the parents and the encouragement of the excited Josephites - the field was a merry mix of cacophony at its very best!
The post noon session brought to the fore the tradition of generations of Josephites who associate Sports Day with Club swinging. The display was perfect, precise, and seamless. The Chief Guest, in his address, urged every student to be a part of the experiential learning that sport provides, as, that is an area that teaches one to develop a fighting spirit, a never-give-up attitude, and instils a camaraderie that outlasts the precincts of the physical school building!
The Prize Distribution, that followed and honoured excellence in the field of Sports – track, field, and other team games. The Sports Day concluded with showers of blessings from the Almighty – a true validation of the hard work of the Management, the perseverance of the athletes, and the grit and determination of the Sports Department to make things happen.