“We are very excited to hoist the Tri-colour on our 68th Republic Day here and then head for some sports. It is indeed a pleasure to be here all geared up to witness the sportsman spirit but this time not in our kids instead in ourselves!” exclaimed a bunch of enthusiastic parents at the Global Indian International School (GIIS) Ahmedabad campus. The GIIS Parents Sports Meet 2017 received an overwhelming response with over 325 parents registering for various races.

Being a public holiday, few of the GIIS staff were a little sceptical on how many parents will actually turn up for the event. But, by 8:00 am all the chairs placed on the school ground were filled and there was a surge of participants! The event began by garlanding Mahatma Gandhi’s bust at the school reception by the chief guest for the event Mr. Pradip Trivedi, a renowned senior sports journalist and school principal, Mr. Caesar D’Silva. And, then the Indian flag was hoisted, igniting the patriotic fervour in all.

Little Jawahar Lal Nehrus, Bhagat Singhs, Rani Laxmi Bais, and many more freedom fighters bemused the spectators with the famous lines like “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dunga...” and “Main apni Jhansi kabhi nahi dungi...”, and received a huge applause. The GIIS Sports captain, Aditya Tomar; Head Girl, Bhavika Gangwani; and the House Captains, lighted the ‘Torch’ and declared the sports meet open.

Parents participated in races like 50 and 100 mts running race, lemon and spoon race, hurdle race, skipping race and a 50-over cricket match between four teams. The winners were felicitated with medals and certificates on the spot and for most it was their first sports medal! “This is a great way to engage with parents and also bring them closer to the school. I am very happy to see the response of our parents and appreciate their sporting spirit,” said Mr. D’Silva.

The Sports Meet ended with races for the teachers and the GIIS staff who also exhibited great enthusiasm!