On August 29, 2024, Carmel School Mangalore held its annual National Sports Day observance in the school auditorium, honouring the iconic Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Mr. Ashwin Kumar Padukone, Table Tennis coach, Sr. Lilly Pushpa, the Principal, and Dr. Sr. Prem D'Souza, the Administrator. Following this, a Prayer Service offered students an opportunity to seek Divine Blessings for a healthy future generation and mirrored the crucial role of sports in life. The Prayer also emphasized the importance of physical fitness and encouraged the audience to recognize how sports contribute to overall well-being. This spiritual moment set a reflective tone for the day's celebrations.
Mr. Ashwin Kumar Padukone, the chief guest, delivered an inspiring speech urging students to incorporate sports into their daily routines. He highlighted the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with physical activities. He also paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand, whose exceptional hockey skills and achievements, including leading India to three Olympic gold medals, have left an ineffaceable mark on the sport. His contributions have been instrumental in bringing international acclaim to Indian hockey and serve as a model of excellence for aspiring athletes.
The program featured a vibrant array of performances, including dance routines by the kindergarten students and demonstrations of various sports skills by members of the school's sports club.
Rilha and Eeshan compered the event with enthusiasm, while Suha welcomed attendees and Anam explained the day's significance. Andre proposed the vote of thanks.
In addition to the sports festivities, Mr Prasanna delivered an insightful talk on tuberculosis (TB) and the role of a strong immune system in prevention. He accentuated practical steps for maintaining health, such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and hydration. He also addressed road safety, stressing its importance in preventing accidents and safeguarding public health.
Kindergarten Sports Day was held and the little ones all came dressed up in their sporty looks like Running, Race, Hoop Race, Zig Zag race, Dodge Ball , Ball throw were conducted for all the tiny tots of LKG and UKG. The winners were awarded with medals and certificates.
Overall, the event not only celebrated sports but also underlined the importance of health and safety. The observance of National Sports Day at Carmel School Mangalore provided a platform for students to learn about the values of sportsmanship, reflecting the institution's commitment to holistic education.