Challenges @ Anand Niketan Satellite Campus
It's not the medals that count but friendships that are born on the field of athletic strife that are the real gold of any sports competition. Championing this thought and akin to each year, Anand Niketan Satellite Campus once again adapted a very relevant and noteworthy theme for their annual sports day Challenges 2020. As quoted by the school Director, Nashy Ma'am in her inaugural speech, 'The world today is full of strife and acrimony. It is the need of the hour to nurture inner peace and happiness in every child and spread smiles. What better way to spread it than sports which unites every human being around the world on a single thread of Brotherhood, Discipline, Healthy Competition, Spirit of Sportsmanship, Tolerance, Fair Play, Camaraderie, just to name a few. Thus the theme for Challenges this year, Mission 2K2K – Mantra For Happiness – Healthy body, Healthy Mind.
The entire school from the pre primary students to the senior most grade reverberated this theme through their games, drills and myriad performances. Spread over 3 days, 24th January morning saw the little children from PreK to K2 of both ICSE and International sections sport their physical agility and enthusiastic participation in various innovative games. Not only did they race with hula hoops, rolled tyres, balanced the balls, crossed various hurdles, but also brought tempting treats onto the ground and showcased their patriotic spirit by putting on tricolor head bands during various races. The energetic banter and camaraderie of the little champions showed that they truly held no boundaries in their hearts. To provide for a positive experience for all primary children, medals and certificates were given to each and every participant as an encouragement and motivation toward future athletic pursuits.
The sports day for primary school children from Grade I to IV, ICSE and International School, was hosted on 25th January morning hours. Another day of immense grit and tenacity represented by the junior school students as they participated in fun games held for grades I and II, raced in 100 mts flat race and 4X50 mts Relay races held for students of grade III and IV. The champs of grade III and IV also showcased their physical endurance and agility as they participated in obstacle race that included skipping, passing through tyres, crawling below a net and many more innovative tasks that lay on their tracks. The well synchronized and high-spirited drill performances aptly titled ‘Happiness Gurus’ brought forth the power of sports to unite everyone with an unbreakable will power, commitment and the drive for happiness.
On 26th of Jan 2020, as the capital hoists the flag celebrating Republic Day, the senior class students from grades V to XII echoed the same patriotic feeling through their many feats in Challenges. As the drumbeat rolled, high pitched voices issued a command and the synchronised swing of arms and the sound of thudding feet stirred something within all present at the ground. Besides being spectacular, all the four houses, Agni, Prithvi, Jal and Vaayu marched past in alertness and an unspoken co-ordination displaying a sense of dignity that proved to be inexplicably inspiring.
It was followed with the lighting of the Torch by Nashy Ma’am, igniting the passion of sporting spirit. As the games were declared open, the ground resounded in rapturous euphoria as each winning name was announced proving that sports has the power to unite, speaking to youth in a language they all understand. The air pulsated with lung tearing screams and fiery support for respective Houses amid cheer, adulation and appreciation for each and every daunting competitor irrespective of the colour of their t-shirt. In unspoken words it showcased children truly live up to the essence of being 'Ambassadors of Happiness'.
A very special and significant reference needs to be drawn to the magnificent presentation of Yoga acrobatics as students performed formidable feats blending yoga with the dynamic power of acrobatics enthralling the audience and leaving them spell bound. The Karate Display was equally powerful imparting a strong message on the importance of self defense.
Holding up the spirit of Inclusion, there were games for Parents and Ground Staff. The enthusiastic participation stands witness to fact that Challenges 2020 brings forth in all its brilliance the celebration of relationships sans boundaries.
Bringing a befitting close to each day’s events was the exemplary performance of the finale drill students. In an awe inspiring and entertaining act called ‘Roots and Wings’ they exhibited the significance of having strong roots which eventually give them wings to soar high and free , following their dreams with great fortitude.
At the end of the day, the winning House 'Jal' rejoiced and cheered as the House won the coveted title and their happiness and pride knew no bound.