ESPERANTO 2016-17- Annual sports meet, began on the 21st November 2016 over a period of 15 days. The sports meet commenced with group activities for grade 6th, 7th and 8th which consisted of kho-kho, basketball and throw ball, followed by chess. The preliminary rounds as well as the finals were attended by the principal Rev. Fr Soby Thomas and the academic director Mrs. Geothi Nair. The selection process for all athletic events was handled by the Physical education instructors before the final main event.

The final ceremony and athletic competitions of Esperanto 2016-17, Annual sports meet was held on 7th December 2016. On this day, all athletes from 1st to 8th grade, assembled on the SFS School ground for the main events. Lion Capt. Suresh Raghavan was invited as the chief guest on this occasion. Faculty of SFS Academy welcomed the chief guest- Lion Capt. Suresh Raghavan as well as Rev Fr. Tony, finance administrator, Mrs Geothi Nair, academic director and the principal Rev. Fr. Soby Thomas- the guests of honour.

SFS Academy sports flag was then hoisted by the chief guest Lion Capt. Suresh Raghavan and he was invited to receive the salute. The march past was led by the school head boy, Master Meghan Rao and head girl, Ms. Sahana Reddy who bore the school flag which represented respect and pride towards the school. Following them were the four house groups. House points are earned though out the year leading to the selection of the ‘best house of the year’ during the annual sports meet. The four houses were followed by the school band led by Ms. Adhya Tara. The school band represents and displays the discipline, respect and etiquette all students of SFS Academy possess.

As the houses and its leaders were introduced to the chief guest and guests of honour, it was time for the inauguration of the meet. The guests lit the lamp and the chief guest received the torch from Masters Karthik, Anirudh, Aman Ahmed, Vishwa K and Sushanth of 7th and 8th grade, declaring the meet open. The oath taking ceremony followed, led by the school band leader Ms. Adhya Tara, where all athletes pledged to uphold the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Chief Guest Lion Capt. Suresh Raghavan gave a short address regarding the importance of sports and co-curricular activities. He narrated few of his own experiences that made the students of SFS Academy relate to him easily. He was most encouraging and joyfully throughout his speech. The chief guest’s address was followed by a colourful and energetic dance by the students of SFS Academy that put all its members into the competitive spirit and filled them with excitement and vigour.

Mrs. Geothi Nair and Mr. William Anthony- Administrative officer of SFS Academy, were invited on stage for the distribution of prizes for the track events that happened simultaneously. Events were arranged for the staff and faculty of SFS Academy, where all members participated and won various prizes. Students present on the stadium cheered for their team mates and teachers constantly promoting sportsmanship spirit.

Post all track and field events; the closing ceremony was conducted with great enthusiasm as the athletes assembled on the school ground for the report of the meet and prize distribution. Mrs. Diana C V read out the consolidated report of the meet ESPERANTO 2016-17. Prizes were distributed by Rev. Fr. Tony who left no stone unturned in congratulating and encouraging all students for their efforts. The principal Rev. Fr. Soby Thomas addressed the gathering and expressed his pride towards the success of the event. He then congratulated and thanked all participants. The principal also announced the overall individual champions Master Sushanth (Blue house/ APJ Abdul Kalam house) and Ms. Harini (Blue house/ APJ Abdul Kalam house), and the overall ‘best house trophy’ which was also bagged by Blue house/ APJ Abdul Kalam house. The chief guest Lion Capt. Suresh Raghavan and Rev. Fr. Tony were called upon the dais to distribute the prizes.

During the flag retreat ceremony, Individual champions handed over the sports flag to the principal and declared the meet closed. The chief guest, guests of honour, parents, students and faculty were thanked for their effort, participation and enthusiasm in Esperanto 2016-17. The school choir then sang the national anthem for the closing ceremony as representation of the love, respect and admiration SFS Academy has towards its mother nation- India.