Puttur: The annual Founder’s Day sports Meet, held in honour of Msgr. Antony Patrao, the founder of Mai Deus Group of Educational Institutions, took place at the St Philomena College grounds on November 5th and 6th. The two-day event saw enthusiastic participation from over 1,500 students representing seven institutions under the Mai Deus banner, bringing together athletes, faculty, and community leaders in a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and unity.
The event was inaugurated on the morning of November 5th and continued until the evening of November 6th. The concluding ceremony marked a heartfelt end to the festivities, with the symbolic lowering of the sports flag. The flag was then ceremoniously handed over to Sr Lora Pais, Headmistress of St Philomena English Medium School, who will oversee the next sports event, carrying forward the legacy of athletic dedication.
Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, the Chief Guest, Arun Nage Gowda, DySP of Puttur Sub-Division, applauded St Philomena College for promoting sports as an integral part of its educational environment. “Education is not solely about academics; it’s essential for students to engage in physical activities,” he emphasized, encouraging parents to involve their children in sports for both health benefits and potential career opportunities in sports quotas.
Very Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenas, Correspondent of Mai de Deus Educational Institutions, presided over the event, expressing his pride in the successful organization of the sports meet. “The atmosphere here has been nothing short of festive. By honouring the Founder and participating with such unity, we’ve truly shown our commitment to the values of our institution,” he said, commending the students and staff for their teamwork and dedication.
The event witnessed the presence of several esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Gerald D’Costa, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, Rev. Fr Lohith Mascarenes, Assistant Parish Priest at Mai De Deus Church, along with educational coordinators, and members of the Parents-Teachers Association. Rev. Dr Anthony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena Autonomous College, and Rev. Fr Ashok Rayan Crasta, Principal of St Philomena P.U.College, were among those who joined the celebrations.
In a gesture of gratitude, the dignitaries were honoured with souvenirs, acknowledging their contributions to the educational mission of the Mai Deus Institutions. Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Principal of St Philomena High School, extended a warm welcome to all, Savita Monteiro, a teacher at St Philomena High School compered.
The success of the event was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Dr. Elias Pinto, Physical Director at St Philomena Autonomous College, along with Rajesh Moolya from St Philomena PU College, and dedicated physical education teachers Naresh Lobo, Ivy Gretta Pais, Sadashidara, Poornima, Padmanabha, and Jayaraj Jain.
Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenas lowered the sports flag, officially passing the torch to Sr Lora Pais for the celebrations of the upcoming year.