Sports Day underscores the role of sports in holistic education. It promotes physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, while teaching students the value of fair play and perseverance. Keeping this in mind, Apeejay School, Pitampura, held its much-awaited sports day for the Pre-primary and Primary Wing in its playfield titled Zenspark, meaning focused calm, giving rise to creative energy.
The Chief Guest for the event was Professor (Dr) Anju Luthra, Department of Physical Education, Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. The event unfolded under the esteemed patronage of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education.
A special acknowledgement was given to Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board), Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Education Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, whose foresight and dedication continue to strengthen the Apeejay School legacy across education.
The Chief Guest was escorted to the playfield by the school Principal, Mrs Veena Goel, and the vice-sports captains. Also present were Vice-principal, Dr Renuka Kamal and Primary In-charge, Mrs Sonali Chopra.
A green welcome was accorded to the Chief Guest, symbolising sustainability, by the school Principal. The ceremony began with Professor (Dr) Luthra stepping forward for the flag hoisting and releasing the colourful balloons. This was followed by the march past of students from nursery to Class V. With simple steps and sincere effort, the young participants marched confidently, highlighting that every stage of learning holds equal value and importance.
It was then time for the ceremonial torch to be lit and passed on to the torchbearers of the future, students who have brought pride and laurels to the school. Taking the podium, the Principal, Mrs Veena Goel, extended a heartfelt and warm welcome to the Chief Guest and said, “It is heartening to see the enthusiasm in children. I thank the parents for their constant support,” she said and declared the Sports Day open.
Taking the podium, Professor (Dr) Luthra said, “Seeing the students participate with such enthusiasm takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of the opportunities sports create beyond classrooms. Sports and activities like yoga, drills, and team games are essential in shaping discipline, coordination, leadership, and teamwork. Winning is not everything; learning to accept defeat, rise again, and continue the journey is far more important. These experiences help children build resilience and confidence that stay with them for life. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the teachers and staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to nurture holistic development. Events like this reaffirm the importance of balancing academics with sports, ensuring that every child grows into a confident, healthy, and responsible individual.”
A special drill titled ‘Harmony and Balance’ led the audience into a serene and well-synchronised yoga performance, where the young yogis showcased remarkable discipline, quiet focus, graceful flexibility, inner strength, and admirable balance through controlled and mindful movements. The highlight of this show was how the students, through various yogic postures, wrote ‘Apeejay’.
A series of vibrant and thoughtfully choreographed student performances that celebrated rhythm, coordination, and mindfulness delighted everyone present. The tiny tots of Class I captivated everyone with the ‘Rhythmic Ring Drill’, using bright, colourful rings and well-timed movements to bring a sense of balance, confidence, and joyful energy to the field. Their performance reminded everyone present that when movement follows a rhythm, confidence and coordination naturally grow.
This was followed by a heart-warming presentation by the nursery students titled ‘Together in Motion’, where flowing ribbons danced gracefully in the air, spreading innocence, happiness, and enthusiasm. Someone has rightly said: Smallest steps create the happiest moments!
It was then time for ‘Yogik Surya Salutation’, a serene and disciplined drill that beautifully blended tradition and teamwork, highlighting the essence of yoga through harmony of body, breath, and mind, while gently reminding everyone of the importance of health, gratitude, and balance in life.
The ‘Hot Air Balloon’ performance by the Class III was a delightful and imaginative display that filled the field with colour and excitement. Their synchronised formations and lively expressions reflected confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm, capturing the joy of learning beyond classrooms.
Athletics, especially races, build physical fitness, speed, and endurance while teaching discipline, perseverance, and healthy competition. Taking their mark, the students of Classes II, III, IV and V took to the tracks. As the saying goes, victory does not always go to the fastest, but to the one who never gives up. Students under various categories (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m relay) from different houses (Devotion, Discipline, Dedication, and Determination) competed with enthusiasm, showcasing speed, teamwork, and unwavering sportsmanship on the field.
As the display of physical fitness continued, it was time for the tiny tots to take their mark. The ‘Fun Races’, like the tunnel race, burst the balloon race, obstacle race, and coconut race, to name a few, brought laughter, excitement, and boundless energy to the field.
As the performances continued, Class II students took to the field to showcase their prowess with the hula-hoop. The students wowed everyone with their drill. Their lively formations, playful energy, and precise timing highlighted agility, teamwork, and confidence, leaving the audience delighted and thoroughly entertained by their charming performance.
Next came the ‘Parents and Grandparents Race’. Brimming with energy and excitement, the grandparents proved that age is no barrier, participating with remarkable zest and cheerfulness.
The audience was once more mesmerised by a beautiful blend of tradition and love for the motherland. Young talents from Classes IV and V showcased their devotion through a unique performance, harmonising the graceful storytelling of Katha with the precise rhythms of Bharatanatyam, uniting the artistic spirit of North and South India with poise and patriotism.
The ‘Dumbbell Drill’ was a striking display of dedication, focus, and disciplined practice, illustrating how consistent effort leads to growth and excellence. As the saying goes, practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes progress. Each precise movement demonstrated by the students reflects their journey toward coordination, confidence, and teamwork.
The ‘Taekwondo Drill’ beautifully showcased the harmony of strength and serenity. The students displayed remarkable precision, agility, and discipline, executing each move with confidence and synchronisation. With every kick, block, and form performed to the rhythm of the gong, they demonstrated that true power and control come from a calm and focused mind.
This was followed by the prize distribution, where the students were given medals and certificates by the Chief Guest, along with Mrs Veena Goel. Medals and certificates were also given to the winners of the Parents and Grandparents Race.
This was followed by the ‘vote of thanks’. “I extend my gratitude to our esteemed Chief Guest. A heartfelt gratitude was extended to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr Neha Berlia for their continued guidance and encouragement. I thank Mrs Veena Goel, our school Principal, whose presence and guidance truly inspired our young learners and educators. I sincerely thank our students for their tireless efforts, our parents for their constant support, our teachers for their dedication, and our staff for ensuring the smooth conduct of every performance,” Mrs Chopra said.
The celebration concluded on a solemn and proud note, as the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and joy echoed through the day’s events. The programme came to an end with everyone standing together to sing the National Anthem.