Sportacular 2025: Where fun meets future champions

The much-awaited Sportacular 2025, the Annual Sports Day for Pre-primary students of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, unfolded with great zeal and exuberance on December 6, 2025, transforming the school ground into a vibrant arena of cheer and athletic spirit. The festivities began under a warm, sunny sky that perfectly complemented the energy and excitement of the day. 

The entire bay wore a festive look, beautifully decorated to reflect the essence of sports, teamwork, and celebration. Ms Shruti Pandey, in her warm and enthusiastic welcome speech, greeted all parents and esteemed invitees, setting the tone for a morning filled with joy, applause, and spirited performances.   

The ceremony was honoured by the distinguished presence of the Chief Guest, Mr Onkar Nath Yadav, Director at the Sports Authority of India, and Shri Sandeep Yadav, CEO of Signature Football Club and Sports Officer at Amity University, Haryana, was the Guest of Honour. Also gracing the occasion were Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, Ms Vandana Bansal, Officiating Principal and Ms Rachna Jain, Pre-primary Incharge, along with eminent dignitaries from neighbouring schools.   

The event commenced with the ceremonial deep prajjwalan, paying homage to the revered late Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, symbolising wisdom, knowledge, and the light of sportsmanship. As a symbol of growth, care, and promise, a green sapling was extended to the Chief guest and the guest of honour. 

The Chief Guest shared his encouraging thoughts, appreciating the school’s strong emphasis on physical education and holistic student development. “In a world where Google gives answers instantly, what truly matters is learning through process, patience, and effort. Every child who participates is a winner; success is not defined by trophies or marks. Failure teaches resilience and opens new paths. Each child is unique, with strengths in sports, arts, or other fields: we must recognise and nurture them. Create a supportive environment where children enjoy learning and life. Let them grow into confident, responsible citizens,” he shared

The Guest of Honour, sharing words of wisdom, said: “Sports are not just an activity or encouragement; they are a passion that shapes personality and builds balance between academics and life. I, too, began with average marks, but through sports and perseverance, I grew, succeeded, and today serve as a young faculty member inspiring future athletes. Every child here is a champion; participation itself is victory. We must identify each child’s unique potential, whether in sports, arts, or academics, and support them with the four Ps: Passion, Pursue, Persistence, and Purpose. Let children play, learn through failures, and rise stronger. Parents, your support is their greatest strength.”

Taking the centrestage. Ms Bansal shared, ‘It’s a joy to welcome you all to Sportacular 2025, our Pre-primary Annual Sports Day. It’s a delight to see such vibrant energy. It is a celebration of joy, teamwork, and the remarkable spirit of our little champions who have practised with dedication to shine on the field. A warm welcome to our esteemed guests, supportive PTA members, parents, and play school friends. Dear children, this is your day; enjoy every moment! With great pride, I declare Sportacular 2025 open.”

The ceremony progressed to a captivating release of balloons, coupled with the flame-lighting of the Torch, officially marking the commencement of Sportacular 2025. As the balloons soared high, they symbolised aspirations, confidence, and the spirit of soaring beyond limits. 

To kick off the sporting journey, a dynamic March Past was performed by all participants; a sight of discipline, pride, and unity as the little ones marched rhythmically to beats, holding banners and showcasing house spirit. With fairness being the heart of every game, the Sportsmanship Oath was administered by the Chief Guest, emphasising determination, honesty, and respect for opponents.

‘We, the students of Apeejay School, take this pledge today that we will participate with dedication, complete with honesty, and play with true sportsmanship. We promise to follow all rules, respect our teachers, teammates, and opponents, give our best in every event, and accept victory with humility and defeat with courage. We pledge to keep this spirit of teamwork, discipline, and fair play alive in everything we do.’

The performances that followed left the audience in awe. Students of Class I took the stage for their impressive Mind-Body Harmony Drill, a beautiful display of coordination and fitness. Proud parents cheered loudly, filling the entire ground with infectious enthusiasm. Next came the Zumba Dance performance by KG students, who swayed joyfully with colourful pom-poms in their hands, undeniably one of the cutest moments of the day.

One of the most heartwarming highlights was the nursery races with parents, a truly special event showcasing love, partnership, and the joyful bond between children and their families. This was followed by an engaging series of educational and thrilling KG races, intelligently designed to enhance analytical and motor skills. The young learners actively participated in Count & Write, Count & Match the Number, Dots and Digits Race, Picture Card Letter Race, Write the Initial Letter Race, Tunnel Race, Coconut Race, Ice-Cream Race, Hoopla Race, Yellow Hurdle Race, and Obstacle Races, each combining fun with foundational learning. 

The school proudly acknowledged the tireless mentoring of the students under the careful and expert guidance of the Sports Guru, who ensured every performance reflected discipline and confidence.  

As a mark of respect and gratitude, a token of appreciation was presented to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour. Ms Saumya, who played a vital role in the success of the event, was also felicitated by the Principal for her dedicated efforts and contribution.

Compering was taken over by the students of Class IX, Aashita, Akshat, and Saanvi, who motivated the students during the races.  There was more sporting brilliance on display as Grade 1 students performed a Ball Drill, followed by an outstanding self-defence demonstration by Class II, showcasing strength, alertness, and confidence, earning huge applause from everyone present.

The excitement extended to parents as well, who joyously took part in Zumba, and later, in a thrilling Tug-of-War competition that added laughter and excitement to the field.

Mrs Arzoo Khan, mother of Ana Fatima Syed, student of Class II, sharing her experience stated, “What an exhilarating event! The entire celebration was truly inclusive, with wonderful parent involvement adding to the joyful atmosphere. The playful and energetic aura uplifted everyone’s spirits, and the prize distribution brought even bigger smiles to the children’s faces. Overall, it was a beautifully organised and memorable event.”

“Congratulations to the whole Apeejay team for organising such a wonderful event. My kids felt so happy and excited. I never thought my kids would learn so many things beyond just textbooks. Looking forward to more such amazing events,” shared another parent.

Mr Manoj Garg, father of Chaitanya Garg, said: “I loved everything about today. My child participated in a self-defence drill, which I believe is very important for everyone to know and learn in today’s times.”   

As the medals and certificates were awarded to the proud winners of various events, their beaming smiles captured the essence of true achievement. Ms Rachna Jain expressed heartfelt gratitude in the ‘vote of thanks’ and said, “My heartfelt gratitude to our respected Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, dedicated staff, supportive parents, and our wonderful children for making this event a grand success. Thank you all for being here and celebrating this special day with us.”

The event concluded with the National Anthem, filling every heart with pride and unity. Sportacular 2025 proved to be a spectacular celebration of youthful vigour, spotlighting not only sports but also teamwork, resilience, and joyous learning.