December 12, 2024:
The Annual Sports Meet, Athlon, at Shantiniketan Indian School held on 12th December 2024 at Al Arabia Stadium was a grand and vibrant event, bringing together students, staff, parents, and distinguished guests to celebrate athletic excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship. The Annual Sports Meet was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Roy Kaviani, General Supervisor Al Arabi Sports Club.
The event commenced with a Prayer, invoking blessings for the smooth conduct of the Sports Meet and the success of the athletes. The spiritual tone set the stage for a day of unity and competition. The Welcome Address was delivered by the Head Girl of the school, Fathima Noreen. Following the Head Girl’s speech, the school choir presented a beautiful Welcome Song that added to the festive atmosphere, bringing cheer to the gathering and setting a positive tone for the day’s events. The students of the school performed an energetic Aerobic Drill, showcasing their coordination, flexibility, and team spirit. The drill, choreographed by the Physical Education Department, was a lively demonstration of fitness and enthusiasm, captivating the audience.
One of the highlights of the inaugural ceremony was the March Past, where students, divided into four houses (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Topaz), marched in an orderly and synchronized manner. The parade demonstrated discipline, unity, and the strong sense of house spirit within the school. The Assembly of Athletes took place next, where all the participants were gathered to take part in the Oath Ceremony. The athletes, led by the School Sports Captain, pledged to compete with fairness, respect for the rules, and sportsmanship. The oath reflected the values of integrity and dedication that the school strives to instil in its students. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the Torch Relay, where the Olympic-style torch was carried by a selected group of athletes, passing it through the school grounds and symbolizing the commencement of the sports meet
The Principal of Shantiniketan Indian School, Mr. Rafeeq Rahim, formally declared the meet open. In his address, he expressed pride in the athletic achievements of the students and encouraged them to give their best performance, while also remembering the values of teamwork and fair play. After the inauguration, the Athletic Events officially commenced. A wide array of competitions, including sprints, long jumps, relay races, 50 and 100 metres races, and other track and field events, kept the participants and spectators engaged throughout the day. The students showcased impressive skill, stamina, and sportsmanship.
The much-awaited Prize Distribution ceremony took place after the conclusion of the athletic events. President Mr. Rashid Ahmed took part in the awards ceremony, presenting trophies and certificates to the winners in various categories. His words of appreciation and encouragement resonated with both the athletes and the audience, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, teamwork, and fair play. The prizes were distributed in several categories, honouring the outstanding performances of students and their contributions to their respective houses. The key award categories included:
• Parents Event: This segment of the event allowed parents to participate in a friendly competition, where they took part in races and fun games alongside their children, promoting family engagement and bonding.
• Best March Past Contingent: The house that demonstrated the most discipline, unity, and precision during the March Past was awarded the Best March Past Contingent trophy.
• Individual Champions in Athletics: The top athletes in various track and field events were recognized for their remarkable performances. The winners were celebrated for their dedication and hard work.
• Overall Championship: The Overall Championship Trophy was awarded to Ruby House that accumulated the highest points throughout the sports meet, factoring in all events from the March Past to the athletic competitions.
The following are the champions of the events in various categories:
- Haady Mohammed – Kiddies Boys (KG 1)
- Izzaanah Maryam – Kiddies Girls (KG 1)
- Sarah Muhammed Hashir – Kiddies Girls (KG 2)
- Aydhin Ohamed – Kiddies Boys (KG 2)
- Aaidah Jaseem – Mini Junior Girls (1&2)
- Haadi Aman Abdullah – Mini Junior Boys (1&2)
- Ilham Muhamed Bilal – Sub Junior Girls (3&4)
- Mohammed Zuhayr – Sub Junior Boys (3&4)
- Minnah Zainab Shamseel – Junior Girls (5&6)
- Mohammed Talib – Junior Boys (5&6)
- Nihaa Ajmal Nabeel – Intermediate Girls (7&8)
- Mohammed Irfan – Intermediate Boys (7&8)
- Sharon Riya Sagaya Jaikar – Pre-Senior Girls (9&10)
- Rifaz Muhammed – Pre-Senior Boys (9&10)
- Ann Rose Vinod – Senior Girls (11&12)
- Mohamed Fathah Abdullah – Senior Boys (11&12)
The Annual Sports Meet 2024 at Shantiniketan Indian School was an unforgettable event that not only celebrated the athletic prowess of the students but also reinforced the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The day was a resounding success, marked by enthusiastic participation, remarkable performances, and a strong sense of community spirit. The event concluded, by the President by extinguishing the torch light symbolically.
