Annual Sports Meet of BOSCO Refugee Youth Clubs

The much awaited  annual sports meet 2018 took place at Don BOSCO ground, Okhla on 8^th of December .Sport brings youngsters together with their differences to work as a team and exhibit not only individual but group effort to win maximum competitions. There were 10 youth clubs that participated for sports meet this year. Annual Sports day was hosted by Rupali and Hassibullah. They welcomed Chief guest of the day, Fr. Joy Jacob, Secretary BOSCO Delhi, Fr. Dr. Saajan M George, Manager Don Bosco Press, Ms. Viniti Mehra, UNHCR and Dr. Shoaib Raja Khan, Assistant Director academic NIOS,MHRD, Government of India.

Fr. Dr Saajan, one of the chief guests was invited to say a few words of encouragement to the youth present there. He gave a motivational speech telling them that they have the potential to do great things for themselves and the society. The next chief guest invited to speak was Mr. Shoaib Raja Khan from NIOS. He spoke about how open school benefits students who can't attend regular schools and urged students to pursue their education for a brighter future. He also promised his support and assistance to BOSCO and refugee students if they face any issues in accessing facilities from the NIOS office.

Lastly, since the Chief of Mission UNHCR Ms.Yasuko Shimizu couldn't be at the event, Ms. Selin Mathews, Project Manager BOSCO read out a message from her stressing on the importance of Sports as a medium for gender equality and women empowerment. Youth were happy to get her message.

Every year annual sports day is based on a theme to stand together and fight against sexual and gender based violence. This year the theme for SGBV was “Let us create a world free of Violence against sexual and gender based violence”.

Students from west Delhi presented a short skit based on theme. It was appreciated by all as it motivated youth to not to ignore but to stand firm in fight against SGBV.

There were high spirited activities organized for youth which included- 100 meter race, 3 legged race, sack race, musical chair and tug-of-war. Sports activities started with the March past competition and releasing the balloons by each club leaders and BOSCO staffs as they pronounced the sports meet open. March past was a display of coordination and discipline. Soon after that, 100 meter race was organized for both boys and girls. Youth were very excited about each event and each club gathered around the ground to support their respective clubs. It was followed by 3 legged race, sack race and musical chair. It was a great fun to see the youth participating and giving their maximum to win the competition.

The last competition of the day was Tug of War and it was a test of muscle and strength. Each club brought their best and strongest members to compete for this competition.

Post lunch, prizes were distributed by the Kiri Atri, and Abid Mohiuddin Shah from UNHCR. Those that took part in the preliminary matches ahead of the sports meet were also given prizes that day. The overall champion for Sports Meet 2018 was bagged by Yuva Club.