Annual Athletic Meet 2022

In the midst of inclement weather, uncertain rainfall and dark gloomy clouds, the fervent prayers and intercessions of the Management, staff and students bore rich dividends. The skies cleared and glorious sunshine flooded the playing fields of St Joseph’s Boys’ High School on the morning of September 2nd, 2022. Having borne witness to 165 years of academic and sporting history, the school wore its festive look, yet again, to herald the Primary School Annual Athletic Meet 2022, after two years.

The Josephite Guard of Honour welcomed the dignitaries into the playground where the marching contingents, representing the four houses of SJBHS, were all set for their parade. International Cricketer and Chief Guest, Ms. Veda Krishnamurthy, hoisted the school flag and received the salute from the marching contingents. The dignitaries on the dais included Fr Brian Pereira SJ, Rector of St Joseph’s Institutions; Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, Principal of SJBHS; Fr Michael John SJ, Former Principal of SJBHS; Fr Ozzy Mascarenhas SJ; Mr. Brian McKertish, Vice-Principal of SJBHS; Fr Vishal D’Souza SJ, Primary School Administrator; OBA President, Mr. Praveen Rodrigues; OBA Vice-President, Mr. K T Lazar; PTA Vice-President, Mr. Clifton Pinheiro; and PTA Secretary, Ms Priyadarshini. The line-up of dignitaries clearly shows the importance of the day and the collaboration by the stakeholders in the myriad activities of the Institution.

As the parade by the four houses concluded with the students assembled in the field, the host for the event, Fr Vishal D’Souza, welcomed the dignitaries, guests, parents, staff and students and thanked each one for gracing the occasion with their presence.

Fr Sunil Fernandes, reminded the audience of the sporting legacy of SJBHS with being the only institution to contribute ten Olympians to the Indian contingent and advised the athletes to ‘Win if you can, lose if you must, but never ever quit.’

Ms.Veda Krishnamurthy, addressed the parents requesting them to encourage their wards to join at least one sporting skill. She also asked the students to carry forward India’s sports legacy by doing their very best. Ms. Krishnamurthy released a dove as a symbol of peace and purity. Balloons, released into the clear morning sky, heralded the games open.

The torch, borne by students who had won laurels in sports, was taken around the track and then held up to light the cauldron, which would burn till the end.

The drills that followed were poetry in motion. Whether it was the LKG display with scarves, the UKG students with their fans or the students of Class 1 as cheerleaders waving their pom-poms to the beat of the drums, it was a picture for the album. The Class 2 display drew circles in the air with the hoops while the fluorescent dumbbells of the students of Class 3 showed the spectators the beauty of rhythm in exercise.

The track events that followed saw healthy competition, team spirit and sportsmanship even in the youngest of the Josephites. The parents cheered their wards; the house mentors kept up the cheer; and the students made memories that would last a lifetime!