The fair weather on the 31st of August, 2017 was indeed a rare phenomenon for a Sports Day at SJBHS and one that the junior Josephites with their radiant faces, excited demeanor and endless chatter were more than happy to revel in. It was finally their day to shine in the sun!

Taking centre stage were the Chief Guests, Mr. P. Rabindra Pai, Old Boy and Managing Director, Century Real Estate Holdings Pvt. Ltd. and his wife Mrs. Kiran Pai along with the Guest of Honour, Rector of St. Joseph’s Institutions, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph SJ. The customary Josephite Guard of Honour escorted the guests who were accompanied by the Principal of SJBHS Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ, the Vice Principal of SJBHS Mrs. Miriam Angelo, the Administrator of the Primary School Rev. Fr. Robert Rodrigues SJ, the President of the OBA Mr. Shashi Lewis, the Vice President of the PTA Mr. Srinivas Vardha and the Secretary of the PTA Mr. Anthony Praveen.

The Chief Guest unfurled the flag and took the salute while the four marching contingents were ready to perform. The March Past began to the beats churned out by the School Band. Parents, teachers and onlookers alike were impressed by the juniors’ march past.

As the ranks fell into place, the Administrator of the Primary School, Fr. Robert delivered the Welcome Address, introduced the Chief Guest and advised the students to take part in a manner befitting the glory of sportsmanship. Our Rector, in his address cautioned that there would be triumphs and trials but the greater aim of the Sports Day was to foster the spirit of togetherness, comradeship and unity that would last a lifetime. The Chief Guest in his speech reiterated his pride in being a Josephite and counselled the students to make the most of their time at Joseph’s. He declared the Meet open amidst a round of joyous applause, the release of balloons in the four house colours and a squeal of delightful shouts!

The Junior Josephite torch bearers lit the cauldron gracefully and took the oath of fair play, brotherhood and integrity.

The tiny Tendulkars of Std I educated the audience in the different batting strokes from backward defense to sweep to square cut, on drive and paddle sweep. The Zumba dancers of Std III and the Freeze Dance by the students of Std II brought to the fore the importance of exercise mixed with a healthy dose of fun. The LKG students, who performed for the very first time, set the mood for rhythm and vigor through their Afro Tribal Dance. Not to be left behind were the students of UKG with their Hooplas executing the various exercises with precision, making the hours of dedication put in by the teachers, Jump Bunch and Leap Start Teams worthwhile.

The line-up of athletes paved the way for the races which fueled the spirit of competitiveness. Parents, grandparents and relatives cheered as the young athletes scrambled for the finishing line. The Prize Distribution Ceremony heralded the close of the Junior Annual Sports Day, 2017 bringing to the fore the Usain Bolt’s and Justin Gatlin’s of SJBHS!