157'th Annual Athletic Meet - 2015

The sun burst through on the morn of 5th Sept, wiping away all signs of the torrential downpour of the previous night. Clearly the Gods were smiling down on the bright and drying grounds of SJBHS, as joyful preparations began for the 157th Annual Athletic Meet – Senior School. The previous day the Primary School had celebrated Sports Day for students of LKG to Std IV.

The Chief Guest for the Opening Ceremony was Brig. M.N. Devaya, Old Boy and Commandant, MEG and Centre. The Guests of Honour: Rector, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph S.J., Brother Anthony Crasta, Administrator of Jesuit Niwas and President of the OBA, Mr. Gopal Bengeri, were escorted through the Guard of Honour by the Principal of SJBHS, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, S.J., Primary School Administrator and Vice Principal, Rev. Fr. Sunil Fernandes S.J. and Vice Principal, Mrs. Miriam Angelo.

Amidst pomp and ceremony, the Chief Guest unfurled the school flag. The iconic blue and white Josephite flag fluttered gently in the morning breeze, carrying the age old message of camaraderie and competitiveness. The four houses — St. Andrew’s, St. George’s, St. David’s and St. Patrick’s as well as the NCC and the Scouts Squad — marched past the grand stand to salute Brig. M.N. Devaya. Later, in his speech, Brig. M.N. Devaya walked down memory lane recalling his days in school and the many hours he had spent on the very same grounds. His advice to the athletes: “Playing sports helps to take decisions and to stand by those very decisions”.

The Vice Principal, Mrs. Miriam Angelo, gave the Welcome Address, warmly welcoming one and all to one of the most anticipated days of the school calendar. The Rector, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph, S.J., reminded everyone that the day – 5th Sept – was also Teacher’s Day, and he wished the teachers on their special day. To the athletes, his advice was: “Life is a game to play with the right spirit as it has rules, strategies and plans. Nobody is perfect. Everyone needs opportunities.” He reminded everyone that SJBHS provides value-based education with curricular and co-curricular activities and students are provided with opportunities to hone their skills and nurture their talents.

He encouraged the students to use sports as a ‘vehicle’ for development by following the 5 ‘S’s’ — Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit. The Meet was declared Open and the balloons rose high in the air - symbols of freedom, joy, cheer, energy. The flame of the torch was lit by eight outstanding athletes of SJBHS symbolizing the values of brotherhood and a sense of fair play. The ceremony was aesthetic and elegant. All the athletes rendered the Oath which echoes the spirit of sportsmanship. This was followed by the distribution of the Special Prizes for outstanding performances in the sporting arena. The Vote of Thanks brought to a close the Opening Ceremony, making way for the multiple track and field events to start. The 157th Sports Day had gotten off to a flying start!