By Ms Dorothy Fernandes for BISMumbai

The Annual Sports Day was celebrated enthusiastically at Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon, on 15 December 2023. 

The Secondary School’s programme began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Fr Diego Nunes. In the afternoon session, the Primary and the Junior College programme began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Fr Francis Fernandes.  Fr Nunes celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his religious life while Fr Fernandes celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination. Both had ministered in the Salesian community at Naigaon.

The speeches by the Rector - Fr Dominic Martis, the Principal - Fr Anthony Fonseca, and the Chief Guests struck a powerful chord, highlighting the significance of environmental responsibility and sportsmanship. 

A variety of disciplines - track and field events and team sports - were included at the Sports Day. The two sections planned their events with their unique themes: ‘Let your light shine’ was the theme for the Secondary Section, while ‘Care for Creation’ was the theme for the Primary and College Sections. 

The students displayed a wide array of energetic and lively sports events, ranging from the theme display, march past, track events, skating, karate, gymnastics, lezim, and other sporting events. The students mesmerised the audience with their energetic performances, and it was evident that the parents were overjoyed to see their children perform.

The Secondary Section's float, which underlined the day's theme and sent a message of love, peace, hope, and joy for everyone, ushered in and encapsulated the spirit of Christmas. The parades were spectacular, wherein several groups marched with pride brandishing their vibrant props and uniforms. On the other hand, every group of the Primary and College Sections creatively displayed their dedication to environmental consciousness and sustainability during a vibrant march past parade that followed a magnificent dance performance, which highlighted the theme of preserving the Earth's natural beauty. 

The winners of the various sporting events received medals and certificates from the Chief Guests. "It feels so good to see my hard work pay off. I've been training for this event for months," said championship winner Joshua Okh of Grade 8.

Fr Joaquim Fernandes, the Vice-Principal, said, “Sports are essential for building confidence and endurance. Playing various sports helps students to teach life skills such as teamwork, leadership, accountability, patience, and self-confidence and prepares them to face life challenges.” 

The Annual Sports Day was truly a remarkable event that exemplified hard work, determination, and discipline.