Primary Annual Athletic meet

On the morning of 1st September, 2016, the canopy of dark, threatening rain clouds parted to reveal the SJBHS grounds all decked in finery to herald one more Primary Annual Sports Day. The excited and enthusiastic Josephites from LKG to Std IV waited in the wings to descend on the grounds while their eager and over anxious parents were seated under the awnings of blue and white, the entire grounds surrounded by flags and pennants in the four house colours.

Making their way to the dais, after the traditional Josephite guard of honour, were the Chief Guest, Mr. Ashish Ballal, former Indian Hockey Captain, Arjuna Awardee, Eklavya Awardee, Olympian and Asian Games Gold Medalist and he was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph, SJ, Rector, St. Joseph’s Institutions, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, SJ, Principal, Mrs. Miriam Angelo the Vice Principal, Rev. Fr. Robert Rodrigues, SJ, the Primary School Administrator and Mr. Shashi Lewis the President of OBA alongwith Mrs. Reena Pereira the Vice President of the PTA.

The school flag was unfurled and Mr. Ballal took the salute as the students of St. Andrew’s, St. David’s, St. George’s and St. Patrick’s filed past to the beats churned out by the Josephite band.

The welcome speech by Fr. Robert, Primary School Administrator, introduced the dignitaries, welcomed all present and encouraged the athletes to do their very best. Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph called the day a celebration of the beauty of talent, sharpness of the mind and the spirit of cooperation and sportsmanship. The address by Mr. Ballal advised and motivated the boys to take up sports while calling on the teachers and parents to channel the students’ energy so as to be balanced between athletics and academics.

Thereafter, the Sports Meet was declared open and the torch was lit symbolizing the spirit of peace and brotherhood. The Oath taking ceremony reiterated the promise of playing for the glory of sports. The drill performances by the students from LKG to Std. IV saw a myriad of props on display - from caps to ribbons, hoops, pompoms and Frisbees. The colours were vibrant, the atmosphere was resplendent and the hours of rehearsal had triumphantly ended in a spectacle of beauty, precision and synchronization.

The prize distribution ceremony acknowledged the winners, the Vote of Thanks rendered gratitude to the Almighty and all gathered while the School Song rent the crisp September , signaling the close of yet another Junior Athletic Meet, altogether a memorable day in the SJBHS calendar.