The Department of Physical Education at St Joseph Engineering College - Vamanjoor, Mangaluru organized its Annual Athletic Meet GO FOR GOLD - 2018 on 15 th February 2018 at the SJEC College grounds. Ms Vandana Shanbhag, Arjuna Awardee – Former Inteational Athlete, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest . The program was presided over by Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director – SJEC. Declaring the meet open to huge applause, Ms Vandana Shanbhag in her address highlighted the importance of sports in our lives. She also spoke about the impact of sports on health and physical fitness. She appreciated the presence of large contingent of participants and acknowledged the Management and staff for conducting the event.
The event commenced with a colourful and graceful marchpast in which more than 2500 students took part. With their colourful jerseys and banners, each class marched to the beats of St Mary’s English Higher Primary School band, and it was a sight to behold. The torch ceremony was led by Mr Maclean Pinto, Ms Natasha Zareen D’silva Medal, Ms Melitta Lewis, Mr Bindan D’Souza, who were Medal Winners in VTU Athletics, and Mr Sreehari, Medal Winner in VTU Wrestling & Represented VTU in All India Wrestling Championship . The torch was ceremoniously handed over to the Chief Guest for declaring the meet open and was followed by releasing of helium balloons. Ms Chrisel Ann Pais, VTU medal winner in Chess (3 times) represented VTU and secured 3 rd place in South west zone and 4 th place in All India Chess Championship, took the oath on behalf of all the participants.
Rev Fr. Wilfred Prakash D’Souza in his presidential address highlighted the importance of sportsmanship through the words of great sportspersons and wished the participants well in their events. Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, Principal - SJEC, Fr Rohith D’Costa, Asst Director - SJEC, Dr Rio D’Souza, Vice Principal – SJEC, and Dr Sudheer M, Dean - Student Welfare, were the other dignitaries present on the dais. Sports committee advisors Mr Alister D’Souza, Ms Olivia Sequeira, along with, Asst. Physical Education Director Ms Vaneesha V. Rodrigues & Mr Jeff Sunny D’Souza were also present.
The inaugural was followed by a series of Athletic Events throughout the day that witnessed active participation of Students and staff. The event culminated with a closing ceremony involving prize distribution. Dr Rio D’Souza, Vice Principal – SJEC, was the Chief Guest for the Ceremony.
