The Annual Sports Fest was All About Having Fun

The annual sports fest held at the Jyotirmay International School ground on 19th December, 2015 was flagged off with an introductory 'walk past' brought together groups from Marigold to the Seniors in a joyful parade led by our flag-bearing senior Anu Mohan. 

It was an event filled with fun and frolic and in keeping with our school's philosophy; sportsmanship is about teamwork and challenging oneself. Our students enjoy a sport along with other participants rather than competing with them and jostling to race ahead to come first.

Starting off this fest was the spectacular Lezim performance by the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups which energized everyone present followed by displays of drills which give a vigorous and complete workout. After this, came a demonstration of Yoga which has attained international recognition and its place with the World Yoga Day. This Vedic and ascetic discipline helps bring about inner peace through mind and body control.

Maharashtrian Lezim folk dance provides vigorous overall fitness

Basil & Amber students performed Hoop drill: a complete core workout for all muscles, including the heart

Pom-pom drill by Ivy students - a glittering visual treat

Amber & Basil students demonstrated Yoga Asanas

Also, we had a display of gymnastics introduced for the very first time at Jyotirmay International School and it enchanted everyone present. Admired mostly in the Olympic events until recently, gymnastics involves physical strength, flexibility, balance and control.

An impressive gymnastics display by select students from Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups

After that it was the turn of the little champs who delighted everyone as they ran back and forth in relay to complete their events. Their antics and joy brought up smiles and cheers from parents, teachers as well as all students. During these events the seniors were all over the ground helping the younger children and sometimes even joining them to keep up their morale! 

Daffodils students fetching things to fill up their sports kit bags

Obstacle relay for Marigold, which included the old favorite gunny sack hop! 

Ivy student accompanied by a senior completing the bouncing ball relay

Basketball relay by Amber and Basil students

The middle school children from the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups demonstrated their skills in slightly tougher events which required both physical and mental dexterity. They juggled and passed the ball quickly in tunnel relay and handball dribbling and tested their physical strength in tyre relays. They too were ably guided by the seniors.

Clover & Iris groups demonstrated skills in tunnel relay followed by handball dribbling

Balancing tyre relay with Coral group sitting on tyres while Saffron students tugged them

Coral group then got to tug them in the tyre pulling event

Next up were students from mixed groups doing a hula hoop dance which originated in the Hawaiian Islands. Twirling, rolling and throwing the hoops around the waist, limbs or neck may look easy but it is an intense workout.

Making their appearance again this year were the popular pyramid formations which were introduced in our school last year. Performed by the Clover, Iris, Coral and Saffron groups as well as the seniors these formations develop and focus on strength, flexibility, balance, poise and above all – teamwork which means faith in your teammates.

Parents also got to display their own skills as they bonded in the final and most interesting events for which all the children cheered loudest and with great pride. Fathers tossed or rolled big and heavy tyres down the tracks in a game called “The Hulk” following which mothers got to show their strength and team spirit in a tug-of-war event. 

As a windup to the fun-filled day the  Jyotirmay International School teaching staff enjoyed a sports fest of their own in the Multi-Purpose Hall as they tried to keep their balance on the bouncing ball, much to everyone's amusement!