CHENNAI: Keeping its sporting spirit alive, St Mary’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, one of the oldest institutions in the city, conducted its 175th annual sports meet at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.
As the boys took out an impressive march past, the air in the stadium was filled with cheer from the students and faculty.
Sporting jerseys to match the colour of their houses — Antony, Bosco, Gabriel and Rua — the participants performed their best in the individual championships, upholding St Mary’s 175-year-old legacy.
The school, which was established in 1839, is one of the oldest institutions in Chennai to have opened the doors of education in the pre-Independence era.
It has a history of producing successful candidates in all fields. In January, the school’s quatroseptcentennial celebrations were held with a series of sports competitions, including a volley ball tournament and a mini marathon.
“The school always encourages sports and our students are qualified to represent the State in various track and field events. Even last year, Ajay from our school was selected for the State-level 800 metres track event. We have won the fourth place in handball and another student, Ashwin, was selected at the State-level fencing competition. Fencing is a new game and even there, our boys have made their mark,” said Irudayaraj PJ, faculty at St Mary’s.
He also said that their 175-year-old campus did not have a ground for athletes to practise, but that did not deter them from excelling in various events.
Despite the space constraint, the management hires grounds at other places to help their students. “This shows our determination to make our talented students excel. It is also an example of how we stand out,” he added.
Chief guest Rajan Sekri, senior traffic warden, Chennai, encouraged the students to fight against all odds to emerge victorious.