BIS #2707 FIFTH ANNUAL MINI-OLYMPICS AT DON BOSCO - NASHIK


Joaquim Fernandes sdb


NASHIK, NOVEMBER 28, 2011: Don Bosco School, Nashik, under the able guidance and direction of Fr. Diego Nunes, the Rector and Principal, organized the Fifth consecutive Mini-Olympics this year. There were six schools which participated this year, namely: Don Bosco School (Nashik), Horizon Academy, St. Francis High School, New Era High School, Kilbil St. Joseph's High School and Don Bosco High School (Ahmednagar). The presence of Don Bosco Ahmednagar added an inter district flavor to the event. The chief guest for the day was Fr. Adolf Furtado sdb, the director of Don Bosco Centre for learning, Kurla, an educationist and pioneer. The event was held at Don Bosco School, Nashik. The theme for the event was "Journeying with the Young" 

The day begun with the inauguration of the mini-Olympic torch being lit in the morning at Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy. The ceremony consisted of words of welcome, sportsman prayer and the inaugural speech. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai, lit the mini-Olympic torch and handed it over to an athlete of Don Bosco School. The athletes then moved on their way to the other participating schools followed by a motorcade of staff and parents.  The excitement and joy of the children and teachers was splendid as they welcomed in the spirit of sportsmanship through the torch passing over from one school to another.  Many of the schools prayed for the event and the torch was handed to the next school.
                       
The mini-Olympics began at 2:00 pm with a grand welcome by the Divyadaan band. Then followed the cultural float competition in which each of the participating groups brought to life various regions of India. The students of Don Bosco School too performed two dances to welcome and encourage the athletes to put their best in the events. Fr. Nunes, welcomed the gathering and the chief guest. He thanked all the parents and teachers for their whole hearted support to organize such a magnanimous event.  He presented the aim of the mini-Olympics to bring schools together in the healthy environment of sports and to foster bonds of friendship and peace amidst the students.

The Chief Guest Fr. Adolf Furtado sdb congratulated the management of Don Bosco High school and all the teams who were participating in the mini Olympics 2011.  He said that the playground is a place where lot of learning takes place, through this event we all need to learn the value of social harmony, and peace.  He hoisted the flag and then released the balloons and declared the Mini Olympic 2011 open.   The tri color balloons with the name of Don Bosco were seen hovering up in the skies. 

The schools participating in the mini Olympics were seen rejoicing and roaring with thunderous applause as the athletes won accolades and were gifted with certificates and medals.  Some not so lucky could be seen with sadness and tears but the nurturing hands of the teachers encouraged each of the children.  

The Don Bosco School, Nashik were adjudged the best school in the mini Olympic 2011.  They bagged the first place for the Floats.  One could see the whole campus abuzz with joy and jubilations.  Long live Don Bosco.