By Fr Charles Anthony for BISMumbai

The 59th Annual Sports Day of Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (DBITI), Kurla, was held on 27 November 2023. A day eagerly awaited by all the participants and faculty alike, so that even the cloudy skies and impending rains could not dampen the spirits and resolve to have the sports day.  

The Annual Sports Day, a legacy carried on for the past 58 years is a day where the trainees gather not only to showcase their athletic prowess but to celebrate unity, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition.  The day was graced by the presence of Mr Jaiprakash Vaishya - Founder & Director Cosmos Integrated Solutions Pvt. Ltd,  Fr Anthony Pinto - Rector, Mr Pankaj Sanghai - an alumnus, and other members of the management.

The guests were welcomed by the Principal, Mr Amarr Prabhu, and led to the podium with a  Lezim dance performed by the trainees. This was followed by the grand march past. The symbolic tradition of lighting the sports torch was carried out by the Chief Guest, Mr Vaishya, who declared the sports meet open.  The torch was held by Cherayu Shetty, the winner of the Best Sports Person award last academic year.  The torch was then borne by team leaders. This was followed by the sportsperson’s prayer and the oath.  

The Chief Guest then addressed the trainees. He dwelt on the values of hard work, commitment and determination to succeed in life and grow in their career. Following the address, white pigeons were released into the air, representing the soaring aspirations of the athletes and the spirit of the gathering.  

The day continued with the finals of individual events like athletics and team events such as Volleyball, Box Cricket, Kabbadi, and Football, with the teams being cheered on by their teammates. The winners were honoured with medals and certificates, which was a fitting culmination of all the hard work and basking in the glory of the victory.

The day could not have ended without a Thanksgiving speech by Mr Prabhu thanking God for the wonderful event in spite of all the uncertainty of the weather.  He thanked the dignitaries for their presence throughout the event and the sports committee for all their hard work in the days preceding the Annual Sports Day.