Bokaro: The 36th Annual Sports Day at Sree Ayyappa Public School, Bokaro, kicked off with great enthusiasm on Friday. The school premises were beautifully decorated with colorful posters and slogans, boosting the morale of the students. An atmosphere of excitement and energy filled the air as students, parents, teachers, and staff participated actively in the event.
Inauguration by Distinguished Guests
The sports day began with the lighting of the torch by the chief guests, including Sudhir Kumar, GM and Project Manager, SAIL Bokaro Steel City; Abhishek Kumar, Principal of Guru Govind Singh Public School, Chas; Dr. Radhakrishnan Sahodaya Complex members; and other dignitaries. The chief guests were welcomed with a bouquet of flowers and a handmade bench by the children, and the emotional welcome song “Swagatham Hum Aapka Abhinandan Karte Hain” was sung to greet them.
Welcoming the Guests
Principal P. Shailaja Jaikumar, in her welcome speech, highlighted the importance of such sports events in showcasing not only athletic skills but also the creative and rhythmic talents of the students. She emphasised how these competitions help in maintaining a balance of mental and physical health.
Cultural Performances: A Fusion of Dance and Tradition
The sports day featured several cultural performances, starting with Yoga Nritham, a blend of yoga and dance performed by class 3 students. The highlight was the Santhali Ring-Wing Folk Dance (drill) by class 5 students, which celebrated unity, festivals, and agricultural practices, while showcasing tribal attire and jewelry. Another standout performance was the Paika Dance, a Nagpuri martial folk dance presented by the Munda tribe, depicting bravery, unity, and the traditional preparation for battle.
A Grand March Past and Sports Oath
The students of six houses participated in a grand march past, followed by the sports oath. The National Anthem set a patriotic tone for the day. The sports activities included events such as zig-zag races, 75-meter and 100-meter races, hurdle races, and the exciting 4×100 relay races. The athletes showcased incredible dedication and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Chief Guest’s Address: The Importance of Sports
In his address, the chief guest emphasised the significance of sports in life, stating, “Sports keep diseases away and keep the mind happy. They channel energy in a positive direction and contribute to the nation’s progress. Sports help develop leadership skills in students, and their exceptional performance in sports brings satisfaction to us all.”
A Joyous Conclusion
The day concluded with the distribution of prizes and medals to the winners, and the prestigious House Trophy was claimed by the winning house. A special event, Musical Chair, was held for parents, with Mrs. Urmila Kumari, Rajesh Kumar Mandal, and Shalini Shikha taking the top three spots.
The event ended with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal Rajalakshmi, marking a memorable day that showcased the school’s commitment to physical and mental well-being.
