As 2016 came to an end, a group of men and women gathered with their families for a unique reunion at San Thome School, San Thome on Dec 30 evening. The group, which consisted of former and current national champions and record setters in athletics from the late 1990’s and early 2000’s of the school and Dolphin Athletic Club, had gathered there to honour their coaches.
Balusubramaniam, head coach of Dolphin Club, Kalaichelvan, senior joint secretary, TN Masters Athletic Association and Rupsingh, head physical education teacher of San Thome School and others who influenced the students’ athletics life and beyond were felicitated with a lifetime achievement award.
The outdoor event kick started with recreating the routine warm-up, exercise and stretches under the watchful eyes of the coaches. This was followed up with races for kids and men, shot put, relay and some games for families. The outdoor event concluded with a photo-shoot session.
The next was a felicitation ceremony which was held in the presence of Rev. Bro. Stanislaus, principal, San Thome School. The event was themed around the topic, “ True Spirit of Sportsmanship”. Many athletics who are currently sports professional, police officers, businessmen and corporate leaders took turns to speak about how sports and in particular the coaches influenced not only their sporting life but also their current professions.
The coaches and students also acknowledged and thanked San Thome School and Monfortian Brothers of St. Gabriel for their support and contribution.
Later an award ceremony for the current state and national level athletics champions Mourish, Dinesh Kumar and Akshaya Priya was held. All kids below the age of 10 years were awarded for their participation in the events conducted during the day.
