St Aloysius PUC hosts 139th Annual Day Sports, with 4100 Students in ‘Rise As One’ Spirit
Mangaluru: It is said, “Talent Wins Games, but Team Work and Intelligence Wins Championships”, and in that spirit 4100 students plus staff/teachers of St Aloysius Pre-University College- Mangaluru, all attired in T-shirts/polo shirts with the logo which read “Rise As One” participated in the March Past to mark the 139th Annual Sports Day, which was held on the “Pathala/Ground” on Friday, 16 November 2018. The Management, staff, teachers and students gathered with great ardour and enthusiasm to witness the Annual Sports Event, under the scorching heat.
The students splendidly marched with pride and elegance in their colorful shirts to mark the opening ceremony led by the three students council representatives, where the chief guest MLC Ivan D’souza received the salute, along with Rector of St Aloysius Institutions Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, SAPUC Principal-Fr Melwyn Mendonca SJ; SAPUC Finance Officer Fr John Lang Bosco SJ; Ms Charlotte D’souza and Murali Krishnan, the Vice Principals of Dept of Commerce/Arts, and Dept of Science respectively; and Naveen Kumar- the Physical Director. A spectacular and well synchronized march-past, accompanied by a lively ‘Joy Star’ Brass band, shook the ground.
The event began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings rendered by college choir, followed by welcome address by VP Ms Charlotte D’souza. Inauguration and the flag hoisting was done by chief guest MLC Ivan D’souza, along with other dignitaries on the dais. Following the arrival of the Sports Torch carried by the athletes of the College, and the torch that signified the spirit of true sportsmanship, enthusiasm, peace and friendship was lit by the sports team leader. The students then pledged the Oath led by the group leaders of the groups that took part in the march past. The oath was administered by Miss Flavrisha Monteiro, a Student secretary of sports, and a Star athlete. The sports day was inaugurated by releasing the balloons in the air by the chief guest, joined by other dignitaries.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest MLC Ivan D’souza articulated that one needs to aim high in order to achieve much. “As a Alumnus of this prestigious institution I feel privileged and blessed to be among you all. I remember this ground where I played and ran, and where many sportsmen have made avail of this ground, who are now great athletes/sportsmen representing in the state, national or International level. All of us possess at least one talent within us which is to be endured. Small changes in habits can lead to lasting, permanent change, so think “tiny steps” when incorporating exercise into your life. Our education system must recognize the importance of engaging students in sports. I really appreciate the eminence and splendour of this sports event, and the commitment and dedication shown by the management and teachers in promoting the interest of sports among the energetic youth. Today’s sport youngsters are future sportsmen/women of the country”.
He further said, “Apart from academics, students should take part in sports and co-curricular activities. If you excel in sports, there are very good chances of getting good jobs. Participating is important than winning. Win or lose, you need to accept the challenge. If you lose once, try try again and you’ll succeed. For sports fans, sports are the epitome of hard work work and dedication. To get to the pinnacle of their sport, even the most naturally gifted athletes have to give it their all. The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose. In sports it is not all about winning, but your participation. It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. Time has change here, there has been big development and growth at this institution- it is completely different from when I was a student here. I feel happy to be here and watch all you youngsters with full enthusiasm and energy showing full interest in the sport. You start at the college level, then you reach the state level, then the national and international. You are the future pillars of our Country. “We can certainly make India an economic super power even before 2020’said Former president Abdul Kalam. So it is you who can do it, and yes you can if you put all your efforts”.
Addressing the gathering, Rector Fr Dionysius Vas SJ said, “It was one of the interesting and impressive March Past that I have ever witnessed, and compliments to all the students.Also nice to note that PTA also took part in the March past, this shows the keen interest, love and care that parents have towards their children- compliments to them also. By organizing Sports day, we encourage our youth to be the future sportsmen of the district, state or nation. At St Aloysius Institutions we are doing our best that apart from academics, we will also inculcate co-curricular activities, including sports in our students. To the Teachers, parents and students I have to say is that- Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there. The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence. The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. Win If You Can, Lose If You Must, But NEVER QUIT!” .
The function was well compered by Noorain Shaik-I PU Commerce, and Miss Joswin Pinto- II PUC science students, and supervised by Ms Reena Monteiro- Prof. in Dept of English. The vote of thanks was proposed by Physical Director Naveen Kumar. The management and teachers did one heckuva great job in conducting the fabulous inaugural event successfully. Kudos to all for a job well done! The closing ceremony of the Sports Day will be held on the same day at 4 pm, with chief guest Raymond D’souza- Bodybuilding Mr World 1990 Champ, presided over by Principal Fr Melwin Mendonca SJ. 
In conclusion, Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement. The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning. If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win. Do you know what the favorite part of the sport is? The opportunity to participate. Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts. And for that matter, St Aloysius PUC had taken keen interest in making the students participate in this Sports event. Credit should go to the management, teachers and staff of the School for making their 139th Annual Sports Day successful.