St. George's School, Bandar Seri Begawan, celebrated its sports day on 16 April 2016 at the Padang Kebajikan Stadium, Berakas.
The chief guest who graced the meet was the Honorable Mr Melvin C. Almonguera, Third Secretary and Consul, Embassy of the Philippines. Others in attendance were Mr Anthony Liew Vun Chiang, Chairman, School Board of Governors, Mr Charles Shim, member of School Board of Governors, the school Principal, Mr Janidi Jingan, Deputy Principal, Mr N.M Mubarak, teachers, staff and students of St.George's School.
In his welcoming speech, the principal, Janidi Jingan, informed that the event spoke for the commitment that everyone in the school held for sports. He said, "Our deeper motive is to build not just winners on the field, but well-balanced healthy individuals who will have much more to contribute to society and to the country. Sports, and the range of other physically challenging activities that we expose our students to, go beyond developing fitness and athletics, and games skills."
He reiterated further that, taken up from young, sports would help nurture a certain mental toughness, resilience and team spirit. Further in his speech, the principal pointed out that today's generation is confined indoors for long periods of time at the expense of sports and other physical exercises and that it is important to know that physical exercise plays a vital role in releasing built up energy and stress. The principal stated that sports would freshen the mind and this would lead to better creativity and higher productivity. Such habits must be incorporated into the child's daily schedule and would result in a happier and healthier child. With this in mind, St.George's sporting events would always be given much importance. He further urged the athletes to be excellent role models to their other schoolmates who are less physically inclined and reminded them to do their best in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play for the glory of the sport.
The chief guest declared the sports meet open by pressing the horn. The sports meet got off to an up-beat start as, despite the grueling heat from the sun, the students valiantly marched past the guest of honour and sang the National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam with zest. Spirits were high as the oath of sportsmanship was taken by Cassandra Jacklya binti Dakius, the vice captain of Yellow House.
When all the athletes had scorched the racing tracks, the students were exhilarated as results were announced. Saathish Murugesan was named Overall Best Male Athlete and Best Athlete Under 15 Boys whilst Afrin Begam was the Overall Best Female Athlete and Best Athlete Above 15 Girls. Cassandra Jacklya bte Dakius was named Best Athlete in the Under 15 category for girls. The title of Best Athlete Above 15 Boys went to Wellson Ak Awang@Elvis.
Prizes were given to winning athletes by the guest of honour and other invited guests. Green House eventually emerged as the Overall Champion House 2016 apart from winning the title of Champion House for Girls. Yellow House won for Best Team Spirit, Red House won in the Champion House Parade and Blue House won for Champion House for Boys. The customary annual 'tug-of-war' event was won by Green House who emerged as Champion House.
Team spirit, comradeship and a great sense of pride for the school were prevalent on that day. This year's sports day witnessed the enthralling performances and hard work put up by all teachers, staff and students. Multiple hours of training and strenuous effort taken by the students and teachers will forever be inscribed in the history of St. George's School.
*Check out this event gallery by click here.