Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (PB)
Pics: Justine D’Silva
Udupi, Oct 1: St Mary's English Medium School, Kannarpady, here recently celebrated its annual sports meet.
Dr Nelson Pinto, DN BOrtho, Club Doctor, FC Goa, ISL was chief guest of the inaugural programme.
Flag hoisting was done by the president of the programme, Fr Valerian Mendonca and platoon inspection was by chief guest Dr Nelson Pinto.
Speaking on the occasion, Pinto said that sports play a vital role in a person's life. Winning is important, but participating is as important as winning. He also said that with forgiveness and great skill a good team is formed. He specified how most parents pressurize their children to become cricketers, badminton players from their school days and requested them to change their attitude, as just practicing hard on the field does not make anyone successful. The right attitude towards the game and food play a vital role in the success of a player.
Quoting an example of the Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli who never compromises on nutrition as well as hit food habits, he stated that it is not about the quantity of food one consumes, it is about the quality of food. He also gave another example of African athletes who always top in field events. Weather conditions in Kenya and some parts of Africa do not support athletes as the climate is almost dry and sunny there, but even then, today, they top in the field of athletics. Similarly, people from south Canara face a few issues, but proper food habits, perseverance, ambition and discipline will surely make a sportsman successful.
Fr Valerian Mendonca in his presidential speech began with a quote from a famous Olympian stating, "The important thing in Olympics, is not about winning, but taking part. Similarly, the important thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well. He wished more new records to be created on the school ground that day. He wished all the students taking part in the sports day competition well.
A march past was performed by the students followed by a mass drill and a torch relay. The students took an oath that they would actively take part in the annual sports meet.
Irvin Alva, vice-president of the parish pastoral council, Udupi, Fr Johnson Sequiera, principal, Rita Quadras, vice-principal were present on the dais.