Indian Public School, Salmiya hosted the Annual Sports Day for the 2023–2024 school year at Yarmouk Sports Club, Mishref on November 18. Following a two-year break brought on by the lingering scare of the COVID-19 pandemic, IPS organized one of its most iconic events.
The highly anticipated event of the year began with the arrival of distinguished guests, including the Chief Guest, Shri Harit Ketan Shelat, Second Secretary (Community Affairs and Associations), Indian Embassy; the guests of honour, Mr Nabeel Jumaa Al Yakout, Head of the Educational Activities Department – Ministry of Private Education, Mrs. Amal Al Herz- Students Affairs Officer – Ministry of Private Education, Mr. Hamad and Miss Heza, Activity Department – Ministry of Private education, Mrs. Tessy Chandy, Vice-Chairperson of IPS,UIS and UIIS, Mr. Joel, Administrative Executive of IPS,UIS, and UIIS , Sr Christy, Principal of Carmel School, Khaitan ,Mrs Elizabeth Joseph, Principal of United International Indian School, Mr Radhakrishnan, Principal of United Indian School, Mr John Thomas, the Purchase Manager IPS, UIS and UIIS, and Mr Harbinder Singh, Administrative Manager- United International Indian School.
The Holy Quran was recited to start the day’s activities and it was followed by the prayer in English. Guest of Honour, Mr Nabeel Jumaa Al Yakout hoisted the Kuwait National flag to the beat of Kuwait national Anthem. The Chief Guest Shri Harit Ketan Shelat, hoisted the Indian National flag to the lifting strains of the Indian National Anthem. The school flag was hoisted by the Principal of Indian Public School, Mrs Lucy A Cherian, along with Mr. Joel, Administrative Executive of IPS,UIS, and UIIS and Sr Christy, Principal of Carmel School to the invigorating tunes of the school anthem.
The Principal Mrs Lucy A Cherian welcomed the esteemed Chief Guest, the Guests of Honour, and an array of dignitaries, parents, teachers, students and emphasised on the importance of sports in one’s life. The Principal escorted the Chief Guest to receive the Guard of Honour. Students from all four houses, headed by the Students Council, performed an amazing March Past. The spectacular event was glorified with the participation of 197 students of the school. The Students Council was led by the Head Boy, Mohamed Irhsad Jasem carrying the school flag and the Head Girl Keziah Melva Dias with the House Flag. Following a plethora of lively parades, the students took part in the Oath Taking Ceremony, led by the Sports Captain of IPS Joel Vesili George. The Chief Guest Shri Harit Ketan Shelat, in his address, made it clear that nothing can induce the passion that sports provides and declared the Sports Meet Open. Afterwards, the chief guest, the guests of honour and the dignitaries, released the colourful balloons representing the four houses.
IPS Torch Bearers proudly relayed the torch to instil the Olympic Sportsman spirit into the hearts of all. The ceremony saw the participation of all the winners of the 25th CBSE Athletic Meet 2023.
The torch was finally carried by the Principal Mrs Lucy A Cherian , Mrs. Tessy Chandy, Vice-Chairperson of IPS,UIS and UIIS,and Ms Kalaivani, the Department of Sports
The colourful Mass drills of the Lower Primary, primary and Junior Wing were presented in front of the dignitaries. The participants and spectators alike were treated to a vibrant display of music and dance. As the athletes prepared for a day of fierce competition, the excitement was evident. The large arena, festooned with vibrant flags and banners, was alive with excitement.
The vote of thanks for the opening ceremony was proposed by the Vice- Principal, Mr Anil Kumar. The highly anticipated breathtaking track and field events were held. Athletes pushed their limits and strived for victory. Talented athletes from different sections came together on this day to demonstrate their abilities in a variety of sports. Their performances, standout moments were a part of the electric atmosphere that permeated throughout the day.
The winners were adorned by The Principal, Members of Management, Vice- Principal and Coordinators. The overall Championship was declared and trophies were given away.
The positions of the houses:
Sapphire House First Position
Ruby House Second Position
Topaz House Third Position
Emerald House Fourth Position
The Annual Sports Day, which honoured the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth gave athletes a stage on which to display their abilities, break records, and inspire others with their achievements. The event left a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike, reminding everyone of the power of sports to bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The grand finale was the winners of the Championship- Sapphire house- parading with their sought after trophy. Mrs Kalaivani Santhosh declared the sports meet closed and delivered the vote of thanks.
