by Mr. Amarr Prabhu
KURLA- MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 3, 2014: The 50th Annual Sports Meet of St. Joseph's Industrial Training Institute, Kurla was a harmonious mix of hard work and determined play. The playing fields of an educational institution are where young citizens of the country learn qualities of team spirit, giving their best and pulling together to win.
Salesian education emphasizes that participation in sport draws on people's strengths and assets — energy, enthusiasm, natural and acquired skills, the desire to excel — and the universal capacity for fun and enjoyment. This leads to development of self-esteem which can be a profound psychological shift that enables and motivates young people to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours.
It is for these very reasons that St. Joseph's Industrial Training Institute holds its Annual Sports Meet. This year was special since it was the 50th sports meet. The event was held in two phases. Students took part in a variety of games and items that showcased prowess, talent, discipline in body and mind as well as teamwork. Indoor as well as outdoor events like chess, carom, football, box cricket, volleyball, kho kho, 100 mts race, 4 100 metres relay, badminton and tug-of- war provided an opportunity to excel. These sporting events helped to empower participants and build their self-esteem.
The march-past practice sessions were held every morning and supervised by Mr. Sanjunath Chaudhari, a Police drill master from the Thane Crime Branch who saw to it that everything was perfect.To encourage maximum participation of students from all trades and to facilitate inter trade action, the trainees were divided into four houses (Red, Blue, Yellow & Green). Colorful jerseys worn by the participating students as well as all the officials instilled a sense of pride, loyalty and fellowship.
The final day of the sports meet held on 4 January, 2014 was a solemn and colourful affair. Mr. Shawn Gomes, Managing Director of M/s Aircon Acme Ltd was the chief guest and was ushered into the sports arena with a lezheem parade. The smartly turned out march-past led by the student-representative and other house captains was conducted with military like precision. The lighting of the torch, the sportsman's prayer and the oath taking ceremony gave the occasion it's due dignity. The audience was enthralled with the Koli, Bhangra and Tamil dances. The Lezheem performance brought in the Maharashtra flavour.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Gomes, an ex student of Don Bosco High School, Matunga expressed his admiration for the manner in which the sports meet was organized and congratulated the winners. Prizes in the form of trophies, cups, shields, medals and certificates were awarded to the best performers. Fr. Colbert acknowledged the hard work put in by the Principal, staff and students to make the event a memorable one. Mr. Amarr Prabhu the principal thanked one and all for the smooth conduct of the event.
The intense effort, the rigorous practice and wise use of resources coupled with great teamwork made the 50th Sports Meet of SJITI a grand success!