St Joseph’s Celebrates its 160th Sports Day!

SJBHS is celebrating its 160th year, and the Annual Athletic Meet (Sports Day), held on 31st August, 2018, was grander than usual. Pigeons and balloons were set free during the opening ceremony, to represent the spirit of goodwill in the games. The lighting of the torch and the taking of the oath lent solemnity to the ceremony.

The Josephites belonging to the four houses, the NCC and the Scouts boys proudly saluted the Chief Guest, Mr. Nandan Kamath, Managing Trustee of Go Sports Foundation and celebrated Old Boy. Bringing up the rear of the marching contingent were the black and white clad batch of 1993, celebrating 25 years of camaraderie. Gracing the dais was Rector of St. Joseph’s Institutions Rev Fr Brian Pereira SJ, Rector of Indian High School Rev Fr Leo Pereira SJ, our Principal of Rev Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, Vice Principal of SJBHS Mr. Uday Kumar, Primary School Administrator Rev Fr Alwyn D’Souza SJ, President of the OBA Mr. George Ollapally and the Secretary of the OBA Mr. Brian D’ Lima.

Father Principal’s address reminded students about the role that teachers played in their lives by helping shape and mould their characters and personalities. He urged them to show their respect and acknowledge the sacrifices made by the teachers on their behalf by celebrating Teachers Day every day and not just on 5th September.

Mr. Nandan Kamath recalled with nostalgia, his relationship with the playground of SJBHS and advised the athletes to play their heart out, regardless of the outcome. Our Rector reiterated the aim of holistic education at SJBHS and the values of fair play and brotherhood that would bind the students in their journey through life.

The races then began, and the field was a riot of colour and excitement. The athletes vied for the championship not just for themselves but also for their houses.

In the afternoon, the Chief Guest for the closing ceremony, Dr. Albert H. Shaw, Consultant Anesthetist and esteemed Old Boy, took to the dais along with the Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province Rev Fr Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, Rector of St. Joseph’s Institutions Rev Fr Brian Pereira SJ, Former Principal of SJBHS Rev Fr Michael John, our Principal Rev Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, former Vice Principal of SJBHS Mrs. Miriam Angelo, Vice Principal of SJBHS Mr. Uday Kumar, Primary School Administrator Rev Fr Alwyn D’Souza, the global ambassador of the OBA Mr. Jimmy Ankalsaria and Mrs. Ankalsaria, Representative of the OBA Dr. C. S. Rajan, Vice President of the PTA Mr. Srinivas Vardha and the Secretary of the PTA Mrs. Sudeshna Ghosh.

The students of Stds 5 and 6 began the displays by paying tribute to Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazer through their jabs and punches, crosses and hooks. The colourful drummers of Stds 7 and 8 wowed the audience with their dance moves using florescent drum sticks for their routine. The much awaited ‘club swinging’, a traditional Josephite display, performed by the boys of classes 9 and 10 was the icing on the cake.

The OBA enters its 100th year and so many old boys were gathered at the venue. They particularly enjoyed the Club Swinging routine as it brought back nostalgic memories.

Speeches were made, advising students and their parents to help the school to translate vision into reality. Prizes were distributed to the sporting champions for the academic year. A 160 blue and white balloons were released to commemorate the milestone in the history of SJBHS.