The students at Atmiya Vidya Mandir are given ample care and nurturing that there is always one or the other event or activity taking place to keep the students enthusiastically engaged. After the demanding term one examination, to provide for recreation to the students before embarking on the second term, Atmiya Anand Diwas was organised that included a well-planned Sports Fest followed by a Fun Fair.

The Sports department had meticulously set up various arena for Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Leg Cricket, Dodge Ball and Box Cricket. It was a hard nut to crack to organize the whole event. The Sports team of the school was concerned about the students so much that they made thorough planning to maximize the sports experience of the students. All the students from grades 1 to 10 were divided into teams according to their age groups. The real challenge was to set up the grounds. As a matter of fact, four grounds were to be prepared in total. Each ground was divided into four sections so that students of two classes could easily play on one ground. The team of sports teachers and mentors accepted the challenge and started making the pitches and netted arenas on the day before the last exam of term one. The nets had to be set up for making courts for box cricket matches. The sports teachers worked tirelessly in the sun for a smooth and joyful functioning of this Sports Fest.

Finally, after working for hours, the stage was set for the sports fest. More than 50 teams were created and almost 400 matches were systematically arranged such that each team had 15 matches to play during 5 sessions. In box cricket, the cricket matches were played by the student-players with the characteristics of the original game but played for enjoyment in a more controlled environment, making it more fun filled to these casual players. These short-time cricket matches were played by all the students in small areas surrounded by nets.

Summary of the Sports Fest:

Std 1 to 3

  • Games: Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Leg Cricket and Dodge Ball
  • Total teams: 8 (14 students each)
  • Total matches: 28

Std 4 to 6

  • Game: Box Cricket
  • Total teams: 18 (8 students each)
  • Total matches: 160

Std 7-8

  • Game: Box Cricket
  • Total teams: 16 (7 students each)
  • Total matches: 120

Std 9-10

  • Game: Box Cricket
  • Total teams: 12 (7 students each)
  • Total matches: 66

The sports teachers constantly guided all students during this fun filled activity. In the start of every session, mentors reminded students to enjoy the event with the motto of atmiyata and ‘We are One’. And during these sessions, while the students poured out their sweat on the field, they were replenished with energising drinks and nutritious snacks in between the matches.

The box cricket matches, including semi-finals and finals, ended as per the schedule. The sports teachers expressed their appreciation of the participating teams for playing with the motto of ‘We are One’ and the students in turn expressed their gratitude towards them for having arranged such an exhilarating event.

This Sports Fest was quite refreshing for the students as it helped them to get rid of the stress of exams and reinvigorated them to be ready to study for Term 2 with the same or perhaps, even more enthusiasm.

Written by: Swastik Patel (Grade 8)