Puttur: Encouraging students to engage in sports as a pathway to physical fitness and holistic development, MLA Ashok Rai emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong foundation in sports from a young age. He addressed during the Foundation Day Sports Meet 2024, organized by the Mai De Deus Educational Institutions on November 5th and 6th at the St Philomena (Autonomous) College grounds, where he participated as the chief guest. Rai highlighted that achievements in sports not only foster resilience but also provide a promising future for young participants. He extended his best wishes, urging students to embrace sports with enthusiasm and dedication.
Another prominent guest, Lokesh S.R., the Block Education Officer of Puttur, spoke on the crucial role of a healthy and robust youth in building a stable nation. He stressed that along with quality education, maintaining physical health is important for the youth who will shape the future of the country. He encouraged all students to make the most of the sporting opportunities provided through this meet.
Notable guests, including Johnson D’Souza, Police Inspector at Puttur Town Police Stationand Dr Sharan J. Shetty, a prominent alumnus and doctor at AJ Hospital, Mangalore, extended their warm wishes to the event by expressing gratitude towards sports as it played very important role in their lives. Dr Sharan Shetty was felicitated on the occasion.
Very Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, the Correspondent of Mai De Deus Educational Institutions, presided over the event and hoisted the sports flag. In his presidential address, he reminded everyone of the divine gifts each individual possesses and the importance of following the righteous path laid down by elders. He expressed his hope that the sports meet would be a celebration of unity and camaraderie.
Heads from all units of the Mai De Deus Educational Institutions, alongside the members of the Parent-Teacher Associations, alumni associations, faculty, non-teaching staff, and students, actively participated in the meet.
The opening procession featured participants from various institutions, including St Philomena English Medium Primary School, St Victor English Medium School, Mai De Deus Higher Primary School, St Victor Girls’ High School, St Philomena High School, St Philomena PU College, and St Philomena Degree College.
The ceremony commenced with a prayer by students of St Philomena High School. Rev. Fr Maxine D’Souza, Headmaster of St Philomena High School, welcomed the gathering. Mr Gerald D’Costa, Vice President of the Church Management Committee, delivered a vote of thanks, and teacher Savitha Montero compered the event.