By Ms Debjani Bhattacharya and Ms Placida Nazareth for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, organised an exhilarating two-day Annual Sports Fiesta on 8 and 9 November 2023. The school grounds were a vibrant showcase of strength, stamina, fair play, and cultural splendour under the dynamic theme ‘Udaan’—a symbolic flight towards growth and progress, embodied by the magnificent Eagle mascot.

The Chief Guest of the Opening Ceremony, Mr Rahul Subhash Gaikwad, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Turbhe Division), graced the occasion. Welcoming him were Father Barnabe D’Souza (Rector), Mrs Sangita Bhattacharya (Principal), Father Akhil Abraham (Vice-Principal), and supervisors. They were escorted to the stage by students performing a captivating ensemble of cultures that represented various regions of India.

The festivities commenced with Yoga Natyam, a fusion of graceful movements, rhythmic patterns, and storytelling, emphasising the integration of body, mind, and soul. The gymnasts then enthralled the audience with their performance on the mallakhamb. The ceremony proceeded with an array of wonderful presentations by the students.

Mr Gaikwad, in declaring the Fiesta open, emphasised the virtues of hard work, teamwork, and the spirit of excellence. His nostalgic reflections on school days and gratitude towards teachers resonated, highlighting the importance of accepting and learning from failures.

The school grounds echoed with cheers and applause as various sporting events unfolded throughout the day. The climax of the event featured the exhilarating relay race, followed by a mesmerising ribbon dance by the dance troupe and a display of strength and stamina in the form of a human pyramid by the acrobats. Parents showcased their talents through a lively dance performance set to foot-tapping songs, while the fan dance provided a therapeutic cool-down after a day filled with high spirits. 

As the band played live, the winners of individual and group events took part in the Winners March. The symbolic extinguishing of the torch, the lowering of the sports flag, and the official declaration marked the closure of the meeting. 

St Joseph’s High School, Wadala, held their Sports’ Day on 7 November. Apart from the regular sports events held for students, sports events were also organised for teachers, Parents and staff members. The Chief Guest, Mr Nehal Salunke, addressed the gathering. He applauded the efforts of the students and the teachers for making the event a huge success.