By Nereen Dmello for BIS Mumbai

The grounds of St Dominic Savio High School, Andheri came alive with energy, enthusiasm and sporting fervour on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as the Secondary Section celebrated its Annual Sports Day. Guided by the theme, ‘Choose the Good with Honesty and Wisdom,’ the day was a celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, perseverance and the values that make every participant a true sportsperson.

The morning commenced with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, featuring the unfurling of the school flag, the disciplined March Past by the four Houses and the Scout Troop, and the lighting of the Sports Torch. The ceremony also recognised students who had brought laurels to the school through their achievements in various sporting disciplines. A captivating Wushu performance and the vibrant sports display, “The History of Generations,” added to the celebrations.

The Rector and Manager, Fr Francisco Pereira, introduced the Chief Guest, Mr Declan Gonsalves, a proud alumnus of the institution and an accomplished Teqball player. Having had the honour of representing India and introducing Teqball at the Asian Games alongside his partner, Anas Baig, his journey was an inspiring reminder of what dedication and determination can achieve.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Gonsalves expressed his pride and emotion at returning to his alma mater as Chief Guest. Recalling his own Sports Day memories, he encouraged the students to dream big, believe in themselves and translate their faith into action. He emphasised that success requires consistency, patience and hard work, reminding them that failure is an essential part of the journey. He also expressed gratitude to his teachers and the school for laying the foundation of his sporting journey.

Following the Principal, Ms Valerie Mascarenhas' words of appreciation to the Management and organisers, and her instructions to the students, the sporting action began with team competitions in football, basketball, cricket, sack race and hockey dribble. The afternoon witnessed the athletic events, including the 100-metre finals, the challenging 1-kilometre Endurance Run, relays, and the spirited Tug of War. The teachers brought their own competitive energy to the field with the entertaining Save Your Balloon event.

The Closing Ceremony brought the day to a celebratory conclusion with the distribution of certificates and trophies. The introduction of coaches and support staff as trophy presenters was a meaningful gesture of appreciation, acknowledging their dedication and invaluable contribution to nurturing sporting talent. Certificates were also awarded to October's Players of the Month, continuing the school's monthly practice of recognising sporting discipline, progress and performance. Every House had its share of victories, but Magone (Green) House emerged as the Overall Champion.

As the flag was lowered and the Sports Day formally closed, the spirit of the occasion lingered beyond the field. The day celebrated not merely victories and trophies, but the collective effort of students, teachers, coaches and support staff. Above all, it reinforced a lasting message: choose honesty in competition, wisdom in decisions and excellence in every endeavour.