AAM 2010 Closing ceremony, Fun and frolic unbolted….

If day three of Annual Athlete Meet had a bundle of entertainment packed inside, its descendant has wrapped up full fun and frolic as on the 4th Day, closing ceremony took place with the declaration of Winning House and The Best Athlete of the year. The last day of the Meet saw the best of the best athletes (participants of field and track events) going neck to neck.


The 16th 17th 18th and 19th of December 2010 saw a shift in the enthusiasm of Atmiya family in the sprawling campus Kothar Building Ground as AVM witnessed its best for the four days of INSTINCTS!!! Fierce competition yet united spirits to win, to make this grandeur carnival successful than ever!!


It was pure fun and frolic at the ground with crazy and jubilant participants. The Chief Guests for the day was Dr. Jagdish Chandra Gothi, Associate Professor, Physical Education Department, Sadhra College. Pujya Premswaroop Swamiji, Pujya Suhrad Swamiji, Harish Sir and other distinguished personalities were also received with the customary general salute. They were witnessing gladly how sprawling turf of the ground was adorned by agile athletes competing to crown themselves with eternal glory.

High above, the clear clouds clustered around as rapt spectators: out from the green groves the golden liveried Sunday sun peeped out anxiously and down below the ground reverberated with cheers of a teeming crowd; the arena was thus set to unfold the epic battle - The Inter House Annual Athletic Meet for the year 2010-11. The final day included relay races of 4 x 100 meter, 200 meter and novelty races of obstacles, slow cycling, tyre and drum walk.


The Baton Passes on.......


The morning was bright; the playground wore a festive look as the colourful flags around the field gently fluttered in the morning breeze. The 4 x 100 m relay race is just as much a skill event as a speed event. A team with four decent sprinters of each house Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam ran to out-race a team with four better sprinters by beating the faster team in the exchange zones. The winners knew that the key to this event is how much time the baton spends in those exchange zones. The runners were sprightly yet aware that they should not drop the baton until it is held by the next. Novelty and Relay races: testing their coordination and swiftness what a coordination among each team!!!


The huge play ground had around many spectators hooting and hollering for the best crashes and distances. Josh set up a ‘applause-o-meter’ at the top and building ranking the crowd’s favourites. There were four houses competing for the grand prize,


Following this was the 100m dash for all divisions, and the 200m race for the B division. The athletes gave off their best for the last few races, showing utmost skill and grit, as could be seen by the many nail-biting finishes. These were succeeded by the 10 x 50m Shuttle Relay for Classes 3 & 4 and the widely anticipated Mixed Relay, both of which drew fierce partisanship from all the houses. However soon after, school spirit triumphed with the four rival teams uniting to cheer for the participants.

When they ran, they had to keep moving! No matter the type of event they were the part of, as they kept an attitude and spirit that emphasizes fun and fitness while de-emphasizing winning and losing.

The relay event was a spectacular feast to the beholders as they captured those rare moments when Bhavik of Suhradam House flew around the track like a fierce breeze who was eventually declared as the best athlete of the year. The playground battle saw records being rewritten, new champions reinventing themselves in an event hitherto untried; but it was just not the fun in the air, relationship were blooming as well. Solidarity was sown among the house members as they encouraged their housemates through victories and vanquishes; leaders were groomed as the house prefects shouldered the responsibility of leading their team and most of all a healthy competitive spirit was nourished among the competing houses.


The teachers as spectators were without exception, all enthusiastic and cheering and hadn't waned at all. The teachers on duty at different points as time keeper and event manager kept on either throwing their hands up in despair or whistling to command the rules but none of them could dodge the ongoing fun.


A harmonious accompaniment of the rhythmic beats of music kindled the spirits fuelled with belief of true sportsmanship; the young athletes unleashed their sporting skills on the grounds.


The students of VIII, IX and X performed a rhythmic drill and a dance, which proved to be a feast for the eyes for everyone. The show triumphed with some great music and avid audiences. True to its tagline “Hear it!! Cheer it!!” it won cheers from all around.


Suhradam House: The Proud Team with its coveted possession…


As the bright sun sunk the horizon the anxiety and eagerness soared. The sparkling lights around the ground unveiled the nail biting expression of house members. The athletes awaited announcement of the results restlessly. The distribution of the prizes and the shield being collected by the victorious team was the main attraction. The rapturous winners shrouded with unlimited joy came on the stage to receive the certificate and medal, at this moment the play ground air was laden with cheers and applause. Heaps of praises were showered on the winning house members. Suhradam House cheers hit the sky as they were declared the champions of 2010.


The camera traversed the length and breadth of the field capturing every triumph and disappointment.


After the winning team made an exit, the stage sizzled with a variety of host performances including interviewing the winners and hilarious remarks by Prabhudarshan Sir, Niharika Mam and Manju Mam.


Many an athletic record was broken and the sportsmen raised the standard of sports by dint of their own perseverance. With the singing of the National Anthem came the desire to win more laurels and break more records the Annual Athlete Meet 2010 declared closed.


The credit for this hugely successful event goes to the athletes, the quietly yet meticulously working Shekhar Sir and all sports teachers and other members of Atmiya Family who chipped in with priceless contributions. This Athlete Meet proved to be a type of spectacle which presented ostensibly competitive events using natural capability of individual child (athlete), unlike typical athletic events and games, inducing competition as well as sportsmanship. The day drew its blinds ceremoniously on the event but the ripples of these memories and the values it instilled will certainly be treasured in the days to come!!!

Written by Seema Madam

AAM 2010 - Day 3 - Runners made giant stride or they threw the fatigue away!!!

For a sports fan of Atmiya Vidya Mandir, it is truly blissful to be a part of the 7th Annual Athletic Meet 2010. Though, everybody experienced all-consuming passion not to miss the variety of action on display, it was difficult to enjoy and focus on any one event. What a feast on offer!

It was the third day of the sports bonanza. It started with prayers and pujan of Thakorji. Saturday morning, the deceptively pleasant early morning breeze gave way to the scorching heat. Soon the escorting group Harsh Ambaliya, Piyush Sarda, Harsh Vaghela, Himanshu Patel, Love Patel, Vishvajit Solanki, Abhishek Ariwala and Abhishek D Patel assisted the chief guest to the dais. The Chief Guest of the day was Retired Lieutenant  Gajendrakumar Srivastav who has served the Indian Defense Forces (Army and Navy) for more than two decades and also is the grandson of the first President of India - Shri Rajendraprasad! His speech was highly inspiring for all present and students made the most of this opportunity to interact with him.

As the day wore on, the enthusiasm of the spectators on the other side of the field could clearly be seen. The groups of young sports enthusiasts and teachers clapped and danced for the winners and participants, the tiny tots of I, II and III hopped and tapped zestfully to the music much like shaking spectators out of their seeming stupor.

All the students along with teachers and hostel staff were bellowing and hooting at the various areas of the huge ground witnessing the participants tossed between losing and winning. The excitement was at its peak, as the shuttle race for juniors started. "Ready? Go!" the participant runs to the other line, picks up a block and returns to place it behind the starting line, then returns to pick up the second block, then runs with it back across the line. It was a test of aerobic endurance performed by juniors moving back and forth swiftly.

The other area of the ground was much lively with Ball throw event as the students were employing their glide technique used to generate the efficient and powerful movement where the thrower moves across the throwing circle quickly to develop speed, and with one fluid motion throws the shot, twisting the body at the point of the delivery which usually determines success. Wow! Amazing training given to them by sports teachers! Congrats to Shekhar Sir, Pradeep Sir, Ritesh Sir, Ramakar Sir and all the sports teachers.

Along with the running and jumping events, throwing events complete the Track & Field trifecta. The throwing events were the discus throw, shot put and ball throws. As with many athletic events, the limelight were shot putters and other field competitors toiling in anonymity to win the competitions. It is noteworthy that in this strength event, unlike other competitions, physical fitness and mental force are key ingredients for success and Atmiya Vidya Mandir students displayed their physical and mental coordination very well throughout these events. Besides quickness & power, character traits such as punctuality, teamwork, coach-ability and aggressiveness are inculcated. At the high school level, an average athlete with these qualities can still achieve a relatively high standard of success and this is what the Atmiyan Athletes know!!!

Shouts of encouragement, moans and groans were heard across the length and breadth of the field. The non-participants, teachers, house-masters, didis and everybody present looked with much astonishment coupled with excitement as the athletes of different groups showed a spell of agility, speed and explosiveness. The participants seemed to be indefatigable in their efforts at securing points for their house. In a manner truly commendable, the onlookers kept the fun and frolic go on along with participants.

The winners’ list for day 2 is as follows.

But the last day..... last moment excitement is still to come…Who will be the best athlete?????? Which house will be at the top??????

Hold on!!!!!!!! 

Written by: Seema Madam

AAM 2010 - Day 2 - Zest and Zeal Soaring

The ongoing sports fiesta at Atmiya Vidya Mandir play ground reverberated with lots of booming, hooting and cheering as the students, teachers and hostel staff enjoyed the track and field events of the second day during 7th Annual Athletics Meet 2010.The lime light was, of course, the chief guest who was none other than Dhupli Sir, who was a part of the recently held Commonwealth Games and who has served in Atmiya Vidya Mandir for a few years now.

Attending a track and field meet was altogether a different experience, almost like watching a three-ring circus, with a variety of action happening at the same time.

Sports H.O.D Shekhar Sir along with Kalpesh sir and Ramakar Sir were walking across the ground to ensure smooth happening of all the events. Pranshu Savani and Yathansh Joshi enthralled the crowd with their commentary as they handled the mic very well. Niharika Mam and Manju Mam spiced up the fun and frolic with their witty remarks from the stage.

Team officials and teachers have been allocated their particular groups for the entire meet. Each group has different house members and students competing in each event. The aim of the challenge is to collect points for their respective house and gain School Sports glory.

A very impressive and a spectacular event was the different races. It was the turn of the vaulting group of boys composed of group A to group D respectively running for 50, 100, 200 and 400 mt. race. Runners stride around the track, sometimes sprinting, other times pacing themselves, re-living the excitement, anticipation and glory started with much zest and zeal.

Another outstanding act was the long-leap that was high jump where Akshay D. Patel and Vishlesh Gondaliya bagged First and Second position.

The student volunteers were ever active wearing orange and green T-shirts with all hues of gaiety and gusto to extend their helping hand in medical, refreshments or ferrying the things across the ground. Hats off to their humble efforts!!!!

Right over the other end of the ground was the temporary office where Rupashree Mam and Jignesh Sir were watching over the participants and students of different house and groups on disciplinary level. Vijay Bhai and Pankaj Bhai were right on their toes to offer any medical help.

In the midst of the ground, Pravartak Sir and Pujeet Bhai were moving their cameras all around to catch the ongoing fervor for digital memories. The camera captured every move that the participant made.

Nothing could fall beyond the purview of the ever alert powerful watch of Bharat Sir, Anand Sir, Prerak Sir, Rashmi Mam, Ritesh Sir and Pradeep Sir who were at the starting and finishing lines of the racing track designated as Technical Expert, Umpire, Referee and Timekeepers.

The pulsating- jazzy music was well blend to the booming and shrieking of the students and teachers cheering the participants. Amazing tunes were played by Hiren Bhai and his group.

The principal Swayam Madam was spotted being one with the junior group of I and II std students. The house conveners of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam houses were much more excited adding much to the excitement among the onlookers.

Combining seven different track and field events the participants, in quick succession, commenced their headlong assault over various track and field events which tests the endurance, strength and all-round ability of the athlete, awarding contestants points in each event for their best performance.

The winners of the second day events are as follows: 

Written by: Seema Madam

7th Annual Athletics Meet 2010 - Day 1 Report

After the long Diwali vacation, the school reopened with a big bang of upcoming 7th Annual Athletic Meet 2010. Along with gearing up for academic activities, Atmiya Vidya Mandir campus is buzzed evoking a lot of passion and fervour to the students.

The various events of this Athletic Meet are scheduled meticulously and programmed very well for four days from 16th December to 19th December 2010. H.D.H. P.P Swamiji says that every student must inculcate in himself the virtue of a true sports person, who does not see the contestants running along but instead concentrates on the finishing line.

“Winning is not everything, but participation and will to win is everything” - with this punch line, the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Athletic Meet took place on 16th December 2010. The ground was most enthusiastically decorated by putting in untiring efforts for days and nights, literally, by all the sports teachers of the school. Atmiya Vidya Mandir is very fortunate to have a very dedicated and comprehensive team of sports teachers. The team includes Shekhar Sir, Ritesh Sir, Pradip Sir, Kalpesh Sir, Devang Sir, Himanshu Sir, D P Sir, Ramakar Sir, Mehul Sir, Mitesh Sir, Vinod Sir and Hemant Sir. You counted it right, that’s 12 of them!

As the winter sun started dropping in, the students began to group themselves with their house members and team officials in the school cricket ground to participate in 7th annual athletics meet. The programme started with general salute to the chief guests Mr. R M Patel, Deputy Chief Engineer - GEB, Shree Manharbhai, Director - Sugar factory Sarthana, Pujya Fuaji and the elders who presided over the venue. The students escorted the honourable guests onto the stage, Harsh Ambaliya followed by Abhishek Ariwala holding the school flag to the dais. The grand celebration started with pujan of Thakorji by the honourable guests. The meet was thereafter declared open by the chief guest. The school song reverberated around the venue when the school flag was unfurled to mark the official opening of the event.

After this, students put up a spectacular dance performance on the ground demonstrating various national and international games. Their amazing coordination, sense of rhythm and harmony left the viewers awestruck. An important lesson that the students learnt from the experience was to make the best of what life offered to each person. The students also showed utmost discipline and synchronization while taking part in the march past walking along with their respective house group.

The last year’s best athletes were the torchbearers. Aditya Patel (Class 10) ran with the torch and handed it over to Bhavik Patel (Class 10) who passed it on to Akshay Patel (Class 9) followed by Deepak Khatri (Class 8). The torch then passed hands from Deep Chamaria (Class 7) to Parag Algotar (Class 6) to Sarvanaman Patel (Class 5) to Hardik Gajiwala (Class 4) to Shivang Patel (Class 3) and finally to the little champ of last year Smit Vaghela (Class 2). It finally reached back to Aditya who lit the main torch and took the oath along with all the participants. The principal of the school, Swayam Madam delivered the welcome speech and the chief guests were then presented with bouquet by the students of I and II Std. A warm welcome was also offered to Pujya Sahjik Ben and Pujya Saral Ben who had come from Haridham especially for the event.

There was an outstanding presentation of physical fitness through Surya Namaskar by the students of all the groups. Everyone watched with abated breath as boys performed the brilliant and well co-ordinated yoga asanas.

The events of the day were 100 and 200 m race for various groups. These events evoked a lot of passion and fervor among the Atmiyans, with each contestant trying to outdo the other and secure the most priced medal. The intensity and the spirit of the competition could be judged from the excitement of all the house members cheering for their respective house contestants in the race.

The ground reverberated with feverish enthusiasm as the tempo set in with the teachers and the students excitedly cheering them, voicing the spirit of oneness among all till the evening. Finally, the first day of the athletic meet concluded with prize distribution and declaring of the house positions for the day. Shivam House turned out to be the leading house for the day.

The results of the various events of the day are as follows:

Written by: Seema Madam