“ You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits that is real joy.”
-Arthur Ashe
On the chilly morning of the 17th of December, 2019 the boys of the Junior Wing warmed up the hearts of one and all by putting up a spectacular Annual Sports Day in the school ground. The occasion was graced by the eminent chief guests, Major General Tikku, Mr R. K. Dadoo and Mr Jag Sagar. The three Ex-Columbans, who are stalwarts in their own right, reminisced about their own school days as they witnessed the sporting spirit of the students. The morning programme commenced with the felicitation of the honourable Chief Guests and other distinguished guests and dignitaries. The sporting gala was graced by the presence of our Provincial, Br. Steve Fernandes, Br. Julien Macdonald, Principal Br Miranda, Mr. Naresh Chopra, Headmaster, Senior Wing, Mrs Sangeeta Sheel, Headmistress, Middle Wing, Mrs Anita Ghai, Ex-Headmistress, Mrs Fredrick, Pratyek, Mrs Meenakshi Chadha, a renowned educationist and many retired teachers of the junior school.
The 13th Battalion Kumaon Regiment Pipe Band, led by Band Master, Nand Bahadur mesmerised and left all in awe.
It was a moment of sheer pride for one and all to see our students marching along with the soldiers of the pipe band. The little lads of all sections of Classes 1, 2 and 3 led by their respective flag bearers, marched in synchrony to the beat of the drum. The March Past was dedicated to Environment Preservation and Conservation and the promotion of the Sustainable Developmental Goals of the UN. The representatives from each class held placards with messages to create awareness for the same. The Torch Relay led by Mrs Kamla Dubey and escorted by the young sport stars of the Junior Wing invited a thunderous applause. The blazing flames of the torch fuelled our little champions to do their very best.
The Western Music choir gave a lively rendition of the inspiring number by K’naan -‘The Waving Flag’ followed by our enthusiastic dancers from Class 3 who captivated the audience with their coordinated moves on -‘The Kumbali Trance’.
Our honourable Chief Guests, Principal, Br. Miranda with the three section heads of the junior, middle and senior school released balloons in the shades of columban green and gold, declaring the sports meet open.
The audience next witnessed various splendid field drill displays from KG to Class 3 in colourful costumes symbolizing discipline, sense of rhythm and coordination involving mass student participation. This was entailed by the races, wherein the participants with full verve and vigour gave in their very best. It was a delight to see the excitement with which the students challenged themselves to attempt a variety of track races such as 50 mts, 75 mts, hurdles, 4x50 mts, etc. It was a day filled with fervour and exhilaration amidst thrills, shrills and cheers.
Walking in the light of the Founders vision and teachings, this year a special section of Inclusive Sports was incorporated in the Annual Sports Day. We were privileged to have partnered with Chetanalaya, the Social Service Wing of the Archdiocese of Delhi. 12 children from Chetanalaya participated in different events with the boys of SCS drawing much applause and fanfare.
The two very special events – the Helpers’ Race and the ‘Tug of War’ between the teachers and the mothers of the students saw very enthusiastic participation by the helpers, teachers and the mothers. They were encouraged with loud cheering by the boys which filled the air with much excitement.
At the finale of the sports meet, the winners were felicitated with medals and trophies amidst thunderous applause. The Chief Guest, Major General Tikku, appreciated the display of great sportsmanship by the young Columbans. The honourable Principal, Br. Miranda emphasised the importance of sports and gave the message of Christmas. The Junior School Headmistress, Mrs Ritu Kaushal, proposed a vote of thanks to the august assembly of guests, parents, teachers and students. Finally the Annual Sports Meet came to an end leaving behind cherished memories for one and all.
