The much-anticipated 9th Edition of SAI Olympics at SAI International School began today, marking the start of the annual sports meet running from 18th to 22nd December, 2024. The opening ceremony, held this morning, was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon'ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, who officially declared the 9th SAI Olympics meet open and hoisted the SAI Olympics flag. This exciting event promises to showcase the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of the SAIoneers. The opening ceremony saw a colourful March Past, followed by the hoisting of the SAI Olympics flag, symbolising the spirit of unity and competition. The SAI Olympics Torch entered the ground, marking the official commencement of the event.
The upcoming days will feature a wide range of sports activities, with students from various houses engaging in track and field events, football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, chess, karate, and more. The competition has drawn students from all grades, with each house displaying intense enthusiasm and team spirit, competing for the prestigious House Championship Trophy. The event featured a special recognition segment, where participants were felicitated by the chief guest, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon'ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, for their outstanding achievements. The event also highlighted the Inter-House Champions Award ceremony, where the top-performing students from various house competitions, spanning national and international sporting events, were honored for their exceptional accomplishments and contributions, representing the state and the country.
The opening ceremony, held this morning, was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon'ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, who inaugurated the event and addressed the gathering with words of inspiration. Encouraging students to embrace sportsmanship, he emphasized, "Participation is more important than winning for me. I hope the very word 'Olympics' creates a ripple of inspiration in every child across my state." Looking ahead to 2036, the centenary year of Odisha and the anticipated year for India to host the Olympics, Shri Suraj expressed hope that many of the young athletes present would compete on that global stage. He also congratulated students excelling in swimming and other sports, stating, "This is just the beginning. I see my state and country achieving greater heights in the years to come." His powerful message left a lasting impact, encouraging students to push their limits and strive for excellence in sports and beyond.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, also expressed her support for the event, stating, “SAI Olympics reflects our commitment to nurturing every child's growth through a balanced combination of academics, physical fitness, and life skills. Through these events, we aim to instil qualities like resilience, leadership, and teamwork in our students, preparing them for a brighter future."
The event provides students with a platform to not only excel in sports but also to build key life skills such as discipline, resilience, and collaboration. The state-of-the-art sports facilities at SAI International School, including the Bijaya Maidan and Bijoy Indoor Stadium, offer an ideal setting for these activities, fostering both athletic excellence and a sense of sportsmanship.
Over the course of the next three days, the SAI Olympics will continue to highlight the remarkable talent of our students as they strive for victory, pushing their boundaries both physically and mentally. The event is set to inspire students, parents, and staff alike, as they witness the growth and determination of young athletes.
Towards the end of the opening ceremony, Shri Nilakantha Panigrahi, Sr. Principal and Director Academics, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the inspiring presence of the Chief Guest and reflecting on the vision of the Founder-Chairman, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, who championed the transformative role of sports in shaping both academic and personal growth.