Media Release
Udupi, May 29: ICYM Udupi Diocese, in collaboration with ICYM Udupi Deanery Council, successfully organized Sportify’25, a vibrant diocesan-level sports event held on Sunday, May 25, at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium, Ajjarkad, Udupi. The event commenced with a solemn Holy Mass at St Cecily’s Chapel, Udupi, invoking blessings and spiritual guidance for the participating youth.
Sporting activities began with the 1500-meter race for both men and women categories, featuring enthusiastic participation from youth representing over 38 ICYM units across the diocese. This was followed by a colourful March Past, where the five deaneries — Udupi, Shirva, Kallianpur, Kundapur, and Karkala — creatively represented the symbols of the Holy Spirit: cloud, seal, water, fire, and wind, through meaningful props.
The event was officially inaugurated with the hoisting of the ICYM flag by dignitaries including Fr Charles Menezes, dean of Udupi deanery and event president; Fr Steevan Fernandes, ICYM Udupi diocese director; Fr Ronson D’Souza CSC, ICYM Udupi deanery director; Nithin Baretto, ICYM Udupi diocese president; and Rouvin Pereira, ICYM Udupi deanery president. The ceremonial torch was led by one athlete from each deanery — Glanish Pinto Udupi, Josita Mendonca Shirva, Mark D’Costa Kallianpur, Elson D’Souza Kundapur, and Rensita Fernandes Karkala — symbolizing unity and the spirit of competition.
The formal stage programme was ably conducted by Sharan Crasto, Udupi Deanery secretary, and featured a prayer by the Udupi unit members, a welcome address by Nithin Baretto, and the oath-taking ceremony led by diocesan sports in-charge Venol Lewis. A significant highlight was the launch of the diocese’s blood donation logo "REDON" reinforcing the youth’s commitment to community service. Fr Charles Menezes delivered an inspiring presidential speech, followed by a briefing on event rules by Fr Steevan Fernandes. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by deanery sports in-charge, Collin D’Souza.
Sportify’25 comprised a wide range of track and field events, including sprints (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m), hurdles (100m for women, 110m for men), high jump, long jump, shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw. Deanery-level group events included 4×100m relay (men and women), throwball (women), volleyball (men), and mixed doubles badminton. While track and field events concluded by early afternoon, the team games continued in the afternoon sessions.
The valedictory ceremony was hosted by Glanis Monteiro, Udupi diocese council member. Distinguished guests included Fr Ronson D’Souza CSC, chief guest Edwin Mendonca, physical director, St Cecily’s High School; Fr Charles Menezes, Fr Steevan Fernandes, Fr Ashwin Aranha, director of Seminary and Vocation Formations; and other ICYM leaders. The ceremony included felicitations for event sponsors, acknowledgment of 11 physical training instructors for their invaluable support, and special honours for Edwin Mendonca and outgoing deanery director Fr Ronson D’Souza.
The prize distribution was conducted by ICYM diocese vice president Loyd Noronha, honouring the outstanding performers:
Individual championship
Men: Mark Antony D’Costa – Kallianpur deanery
Women: Arnika Varsha D’Souza – Udupi deanery
March past
Winners - Kallianpur deanery
Runners - Karkala deanery
Relay 4×100m (Men)
1st – Kallianpur deanery
2nd – Udupi deanery
3rd – Shirva deanery
Women
1st – Shirva deanery
2nd – Kallianpur deanery
3rd – Udupi deanery
Badminton mixed doubles
1st – Udupi deanery: Glanish Pinto & Glancia Pinto
2nd – Udupi deanery: Mohith & Rebecca Rodrigues
Volleyball (Men)
1st – Shirva deanery
2nd – Udupi deanery
Throwball (Women)
1st – Udupi deanery
2nd – Kundapur deanery
Overall championship
Winners – Udupi deanery
Runners-up – Kallianpur deanery
The event concluded with ICYM Diocese anthem, celebrating a day marked by sportsmanship, solidarity, and faith.