Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Feb 8: The 144th annual athletic meet was held on Thursday, February 8, at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), centenary ground, Mangaluru.
The chief guest of the event, Shreema Priyadarshini, international athlete, Indian Railways; in her address expressed joy and said that "I started in 2000 when I was 7 years old not knowing anything. I was fortunate to be in Mangaluru and if a girl from Mangaluru can achieve so much then why can't I? I have lost medals so many times even at the nationals before I won my first nationals gold. With this example what I want to say is no matter what keep your goals high and keep working towards your goal and you can be make the impossible possible. Sports gave me courage and self-confidence not only to fight on track but also in my real life. I am a girl who will never give up, and that attitude came to me from sports. It has made me an independent and a financially independent girl. Put your hard work into it and one day you will surely achieve what you dream of. There can only be one winner so don't be sad just remember that either you win or you learn."
Fr Melwin Pinto S J, rector, St Aloysius College in his presidential speech said, "I want many of you to get into sports. The chief guest talked about hard work and persistence. It's not important to win but it is important to keep on learning. If learning can go on,one can do wonderful things. Make sure you applaud everyone who wins today regardless of who they are and encourage them in their achievement and by this you will become a good person."
Dr Praveen Martis S J, vice-chancellor in-charge in his address expressed that, "Sports doesn't build character but it renews it. We are celebrating 144th annual athletic meet in 2024. This is a historical moment and will be remembered forever. As this programme will be done under (Deemed to be University),this same ground will be transformed and after two years a new ground will be complete. Physical fitness is important and always remember winners never quit and quitters never win."
On this day all the students of St Aloysius degree, and post graduate students along with their class held a march past with each class showcasing different themes and messages.
On this occasion students who have contributed and brought recognition to the institute in terms of sports and students who participated in the Republic Day Parade were felicitated.
Dr Praveen Martis S J, delivered the welcome speech, and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Denis Fernandes.
On this occasion, Dr Charles Furtado, director, administration block, Dr Denis Fernandes, director/event coordinator, along with deans, all teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present on the occasion.