The much awaited Annual Online Sports Day of the Junior Wing, St. Columba’s School was held on the fine morning of 11th February 2021. The event was a true showcase of enthusiasm and frolicsome energy. The programme began with the ceremonial release of balloons by our esteemed Principal, Brother Miranda, Administrator of the Senior Wing, Mr. Chopra, Headmistress of the Middle Wing, Mrs. Sheel and Headmistress of the Junior Wing, Mrs. Kaushal.
A warm welcome was extended to the Chief Guest of the sporting gala, Mr. Shray Kandhari, an ex- Columban based in San Diego and now the proud owner of an Athlete Coaching Company. His athletic achievements were exhibited via a video collage which indeed inspired the young Columbans to strive and work hard in the true spirit of sportsmanship. The event was graced by eminent Guests of Honour, Mrs. Nandita Rao, ex- chairperson of the Indian Golf Union Ladies Committee and Manager of the Indian team from 2011-18; and Mrs. Sangeeta Sheel, proud recipient of various leadership awards like the Sushma Swaraj Stree Shakti Samaan among many others.
The students entered into the spirit of the occasion in a grand way with the oath being led by Aaron Roy of Class 3E and a video montage of the previous year’s sports day which filled everyone’s hearts with nostalgia. The audience was mesmerized by a spectacular dance performance soaked in patriotic fervour by Sidakpreet from KG and Shiven Malhotra from Class 2.
The sports events were set in motion by a drill performance titled-‘Silly Shakes’ by the students of Kindergarten. The endearing dance moves by the tiny tots which won all hearts was followed by a calming display of ‘Yoga Asanas’ by the students of Class 1 and ‘Butterfly Yoga’ by the Kindergarteners. The tone for the rest of the event was set by an array of sports activities like the dumbbells drill by the students of Class 2, PT drill by the students of Class 1 and a truly spell binding Zumba performance by Class 3.
The audience also witnessed the display of a plethora of competitions held during the Physical Education classes. Video snippets of the participants were presented with immense fervour in the various competitive events namely Flamingo Balance (a quintessential component of the Fit India Drive by the Government of India), tapping exercise, catch and juggle the ball, knee hug-which is an activity prescribed by the Directorate of Education, basketball dribbling, pile up the glasses and blow the glasses.
The parents and teachers did not stay far behind and actively participated in all the fun and frolic. Where on the one hand the parents displayed their physical ability through a rope skipping activity, on the other hand the teachers added to the enjoyment of one and all by competing with each other in a balloon blowing activity.
Brother Miranda addressed the gathering by congratulating the students for displaying their sporting skills to their full potential and all the teachers for ably guiding the students. He also stressed upon the importance of co-scholastic activities such as sports, especially during the unprecedented COVID times as multiple physical activities provide much needed exercise for the lungs and help us keep fit.
The motivating address by the respected Principal made way for another exhibition of competitive events namely zig-zag race, standing broad jump, football dribble, mat activity, notebook balance activity, etc.
The honourable Chief Guest, Mr. Shray Kandhari shared his thoughts about the importance of sports in the lives to students to develop essential life skills like discipline, overcoming adversities and leadership among many others.
Mrs. Nandita Rao and Mrs. Sangeeta Sheel shared their excitement and applauded the efforts of the boys and the PTIs. Last but not the least, Mrs. Kaushal gave the closing speech of the event. She expressed her gratitude to the Principal and other dignitaries for gracing the event with their presence. She also highlighted the importance of sports and thanked the students, parents and teachers for their efforts in making the virtual sports day a grand success.
The programmer culminated with the School Anthem being sung by everyone present.
