Mangaluru: The annual sports meet of MCCS for classes V to XII was held at Mangala Stadium and for classes I to IV on the school grounds.

It is said, “Talent wins games, but team work and intelligence wins championships.” The Mount Carmel sports meet was one that showed a remarkable team spirit. The school band, led by Vijay Olivera heralded and escorted the chief guest for the opening ceremony Stevan M P Dias, superintendent of central excise, customs and central tax, Mangaluru, along with Sr Maria Jyothi, the joint secretary of the school, Ryan Lobo, the vice-president of the PTA, principal Sr Melissa and vice-principal Sr Lidwyn Pinto.

The torch that signified the spirit of true sportsmanship, enthusiasm, peace and friendship was lit from the diya of Ladyhill convent chapel by the superior Sr Celine Vera and carried around the stadium by the athletes of MCCS. The students entered into the spirit of the day with the oath-taking which was led by the sports secretary Avaneesh Sharma.

The chief guest declared the sports meet open to a thundering applause, as four coloured balloons symbolizing the four colours of the houses, were released into the sky.

In his address, the chief guest reiterated the need for sports and exercise. He urged the students to participate wholeheartedly in all the events of the day. The vote of thanks was proposed by Reshma D’Souza and the programme was compeered by Neema A. The winners of the team games were felicitated by the chief guest.

The athletic events, track and field, such as 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metre races followed by long jump and shot put events took place side by side. The last event and the highlight of the day was the 4x100 relay for all the categories.
The chief guest of the closing ceremony was Supreeth Raj, a national level high jumper from Mangaluru. The mass drill display of the primary section was greatly appreciated by all.

The chief guest addressed the gathering, identifying himself with the athletes and told them that there was nothing wrong with losing, as long as they didn’t make it a habit. He urged them to find the right medium which could help them to improve their talents and optimise their potential.

Finally came the much-awaited event – the prize distribution! After the vote of thanks, the flag was lowered to mark the end of the sports meet, the flame was put off and all rose for the national anthem.

Simultaneously, the sports meet of classes I – IV was inaugurated on the school grounds by Venizeia Annie Carlo, an international power lifter. Sr Marie Lucy A C, the coordinator welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest. The young enthusiastic sports woman Carlo encouraged the kids with the desire for sports which needs to be kindled with firm determination till they reach the goal and one day they too will also stand on a platform like this inaugurating the sports meet of other schools.

The students’ display of different mass drills was highly appreciated by the parents. It was a spectacular show which gave a boost for the entire day.

Jacqueline delivered the vote of thanks while Richa Mascarenhas compeered the programme. After the formal inaugural, various events were conducted and the students enjoyed the day.