Fr Chris Ferreira for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco School Makarpura on November 30, held its 44th Annual Sports Day for the students of STD 3-12. On this special day of the academic year, the Chief Guest was Mr Zuber Memon, an illustrious alumnus of the first batch of the school itself. 

The event began with the welcoming of the Chief Guest – Mr Memon and his daughter, and the School Management: Fr Isaac Arackaparambil sdb – the Rector and Manager, Mrs Leena Varghese – the School Principal, Fr Jerome Aruldass sdb – the Vice Principal, Fr Thomas Chalissery sdb – the Administrator and Fr Chris Ferreira sdb. They were escorted with full honor by the scout and guide guards of honor to the dais.

In the words of welcome, Mr Zuber Memon was introduced as one of the most successful entrepreneurs and kind philanthropists in the city of Vadodara. Along with his flourishing business in manufacturing eyewear that has gradually grown over the past three decades, he has also served as a trustee on the board of Ebrahim Bawany ITI which is involved in social work and charitable causes spanning across the city; his philanthropy is also seen in his latest passion of running an organic farm on the outskirts of the city. His return as a chief guest after being part of the school’s first ever batch was a moment of pride to all present. He was welcomed with a sapling by the School Principal – Mrs Varghese and a shawl by Fr Chris. 

The 44th Annual Sports Day was then declared open by Mr Memon with the release of balloons into the sky. Mr Memon then proceeded to take his place on the dais as different contingents of the School Community – School Student Council, The Four Houses of the Points’ System, the 50 smart and young NCC cadets; and the Scouts & Guides Troup performed the March Past before him. This brilliant display of physiological and mental co-ordination was a practice that was revived this year by Fr Jerome after a hiatus in the past years.

The school headboy -  Aman Marathe led the school to take the sportsman’s oath pledging to do their best in competing in a true sportsman’s spirit which was followed by the school anthem by the school choir. The school torch for the sports day was then lit by the chief guest and taken in a rally by an all-girls contingent that made it to the district, state and even the national level in varied sports during the academic year.

Later all the finals of the different races for the finalists were conducted amidst the cheers and roaring of their fellow comrades from the four houses.

Before the Valedictory Ceremony, Mr Memon in his speech, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity given to him to come visit his alma mater. Belonging to the first ever batch, he said, he has seen the school grow from brick to brick for nine years. He acknowledged that Don Bosco still helps students prove their mettle and contribute actively and equally in nation building. Medals, Trophies and Certificates were presented to the individual winners; the green house for their march pass and the blue house for the house championship.

The annual feature concluded with a vote of thanks by the school head girl and the national anthem.