Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (HB)

Udupi, Nov 4: District level sports meet for the year 2017-18 organized by the Pre-University Education Department under the aegis of St Cecily's Composite Pre-University College, Udupi kicked off at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, Ajjarkad here on Friday, November 3.

Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis declared the sports meet open by releasing the tri-coloured balloons in the air. Yashpal Suvarna, CMC member of Ajjarkad ward, formally inaugurated the sports event by lighting the lamp.

Sheela K Shetty, vice-president of zilla panchayat received the guard of honour from the cadets.

City Municipality Council president Meeanakshi Madhav Bannanje and taluk panchayat president Nalini Pradeep hoisted the sports flag.

DC Priyanka said, “Let the students showcase their talents and team spirit through this sports meet. Even though there is a lot of pressure on PU students in studies, they should not lose their skills in sports. Participation is very important.”

Fr Valerian Mendonsa, chancellor, Udupi diocese and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church said, “Winning is not important, but taking part in the sports is important. Participation is important than winning. Let the students perform well and shine the name of their institutions.”

Sr Rose Agnes, assistant provincial superior, Karnataka region, Apostolik Carmel Institution, Syandra D’Souza, national level player in discus throw and shot put, Vijayakumar, vice-president, parents and teachers association, Donald Saldanha, Sr Maria Gracy, principal of St Cecily's Composite Pre-University College, Sr Mazi, convener of the college, Dinesh Kumar and others were present.

Vijayalakshmi B Nayak, DDPI in-charge welcomed the gathering.