Sport plays an important role in building students’ personalities in seminary formation. It teaches them to improve self-confidence, self-esteem, discipline, and teamwork.
The much-awaited Annual Sports Day of St. Charles Seminary was held on 8th January in St. Charles Stadium with great enthusiasm and with a great passion for sportsmanship. The atmosphere of the seminary took a festive look. The event began at 2.30 p.m. The honorable chief guest of the event was Miss. Usha Tigga, Railway Police, and the guests of honor were Rev. Fr. Aquin Noronha; the rector of the seminary, Rev. Fr. John Paul O.P.; the vice-rector, Rev. Fr. Rajen Lakra O.P.; the sports coordinator of St. Charles Seminary, Rev. Fr. Joshua O.P. and Rev. Fr. Harixson, O. P.
The master of the ceremony was Br. Francis Davidraj Samuel, one of the members of the sports department. The event commenced with the welcoming of the Chief Guest by the commander, Br. Lukas Sinku and Br. Avinash Kumariya. The whole gathering was welcomed by Br. Sandeep Kandulna, the Main Sport in charge. The seminary flag, the pride of the seminary was hoisted by the chief guest and the whole gathering showed their respect by saluting the seminary flag and the chief guest declared the sport meet ‘open.’ Long awaited time came to light the Olympic flame which represents the endeavor for victory. The Olympic torch was carried around by the members of the sports department namely, Br. Sandeep Kandulna, Br. Raphael Soreng, Br. Vinay Gudipalle, Br. Charles Marandi, and Br. Pritam Mondal. The entire seminary brothers showed their team spirit, the combination, and discipline by the ceremonial ‘March Past’ along with the drum beats. The participants took an oath to abide by the rules and regulations to participate in the sports with the true spirit of sportsmanship. Thus, the participants participated in various competitions.
The competitions were,
- Inter House Relay Race
- Inter-Class 100 Meters Race
- Games for the Staff Members
- Inter Group 100 Meters Race
- Inter House Tug of war
- Inter-Class Relay Race
At the end of the sports the chief guest Miss. Usha Tigga encouraged, appreciated, and inspired the students with her enlightening speech, and the guest of honor, Rev. Fr. Aquin Noronha, the rector also inspired and appreciated all the students with his words of inspiration.
The time came for the prize distribution. The winners with cheerful smiles on their faces and heart filled with great joy received their prizes. The most awaited time came for which everyone was waiting keenly. It was none other than the declaration of the championships. The championship results were as follows:
- The Inter-House championship was won by St. Charles’ Philosophy Department.
- The Inter-Class championship was won by 4th Year Theology.
- The Intergroup championship was won by Sunrisers Hazaripad.
Finally, the best Athlete of the year 2021-22 was declared, and that was none other than Br. Anuj Majhi (3rd Year Philosophy). The champions received their prizes and were overjoyed. Br. Avinash Kumariya, a member of the sports department proposed the vote of thanks for all the coordination, cooperation, and support. St. Charles family together in one voice sang the National Anthem.
“Things end but memories last forever.” The events of the Sports Day 2021-22 ended with a lot of happy memories…
