National Sports Day is the day when we proudly celebrate the spirit of sports, sportsmanship and the culture of sports in our country. Every year, it is celebrated on 29th August which marks the birth anniversary of India’s greatest hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand as we honour his immense contribution of getting India on the world map of sports and laurel the contributions of all sportspersons! The Gaudium School ushered in the morning of 29th August 2020 in an impressive virtual National Sports Day celebration which was captured live on our social media platforms. The theme of our celebration was “Fitness for life- Everyday- Everyone”.

The audience was inspired to be physically active and fit by either participating in sports or incorporating fitness activities in their daily lives. The event proceeded with motivational messages from our Gaudium Sportopia mentors- Padma Bhushan awardee- Mr. Pullela Gopichand and Mr. Craig Govender – Gaudium Sportopia High Performance & Gym Mentor, from Johannesburg, South Africa. Mr. Gopichand asked everyone to remember the immense hard work done by the Indian Hockey team led by Major Dhyan Chand who truly showed what Indian pride was, as he urged all to reiterate our commitment to sports and celebrate sports in our country. Mr. Craig Govender spoke about the vision of making our school the ultimate sports school having the best coaches, best equipment and best practices to help the students excel in the national and international sports scenario.

The inspiring address was followed by fitness revelry as the Gaudium PE teachers led the audience into an energetic display of aerobic performance. From warm-up exercises to high energy rhythmic aerobics, the audience grooved alongside, from their homes, making the event a very successful one. The Early Years celebrations also had two adorable puppets- a cat named Tom and a monkey named Bubbles who captured the attention of our early year learners and lured them into a beautiful and fun fitness regime.

Mr. Manoj Rana, the Gymnastics National Team Coach addressed the gathering on the occasion as well. It was very heartening for all when he asked everyone to reflect on their own childhood memories of playing games as well as participating in competitive sports, both of which took everyone down the memory lane and gave immense happiness to remember those adorable memories. The significance of sports and incorporation of it in schools which is the grassroots level to develop the passion was emphasized by him. This was followed by the uplifting address by our Sportopia Chess Mentor, Mr. R B Ramesh who cited the example of The Gaudium School and The Gaudium Sportopia being one beautiful entity where sports and academics go hand-in-hand and the necessity of children learning sports as well as receiving quality education together.

We, at The Gaudium, are extremely happy to have such esteemed sportspersons with us on the special occasion to inspire us. The program was wrapped up with the Head of Sports giving a vote of thanks to everyone involved in the wonderfully executed event.

Some pics: