December 2024 was a month of joy, determination, and inspiration as Masoom-supported night schools hosted three Annual Sports Days across Mumbai, Pune, and Ahilya Nagar. Among these celebrations was a particularly special event dedicated to the visually impaired students of Maratha Mandir Night High School, Mumbai.
The Annual Sports Days showcased the transformative power of sports in fostering confidence, discipline, and unity, providing students with a platform to demonstrate their talents while embracing the values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity.
These celebrations highlight Masoom’s holistic approach to education, which balances academics with extracurricular activities. By empowering students to grow academically, athletically, and socially, Masoom ensures their development is well-rounded and impactful, preparing them for success both in and beyond the classroom.
Mumbai Night Schools: A Grand Annual Sports Day Celebration
On December 11-13, Masoom hosted its Annual Sports Day for 76 night schools, uniting over 1,450 participants in a thrilling three-day event. The zonal semi-finals were held at Wadala, Goregaon, and Currey Road grounds, the event featured Boys’ Kabaddi and Running, as well as Girls’ Dodgeball, Kabaddi (Central zone), and Running.
The top-performing teams competed at the Godrej Grounds, Currey Road, on Day 3, with Sadguru Night School, Mankhurd emerging victorious in Boys’ Kabaddi and Girls’ Dodgeball. Social Service League’s Night High School, Parel, secured first place in Girls’ Kabaddi. Individual honors went to Mr. Shankar Sarode (Ahilya Night High School, Kalachowki) and Ms. Durga Soni (Anand Ratra Vidyalaya, Santacruz East) in the Boys’ and Girls’ Running categories.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, graced by renowned sports figures Mr. Anil Sadashiv Ghate (Kabaddi legend), Mr. Manohar Salvi (national Kho-Kho player), and Mr. Rajesh Rajaram Padave (acclaimed Kabaddi coach). Their inspiring words encouraged students to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
Special thanks go to Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Trust for their generous contributions, including water jars and Fruity packs, and to Mr. Hemnag Jangla for providing chocolate packets and Bournvita biscuits. The event’s success was made possible through the collective efforts of advisory members, alumni, volunteers from Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley, and the 28 umpires led by Mr. Rajesh Padave.
Pune and Ahilyanagar: Inter-Night School Sports Day
On December 28, 2024, Masoom hosted the Inter-Night School Sports Day for night schools in Pune and Ahilya Nagar, with 57 participants from 4 schools. Events included Kabaddi, Dodgeball, and Running (100-meter for Boys and 50-meter for Girls).
Khadaki Night School shone brightly, winning Boys’ Kabaddi, Girls’ Kabaddi, and Girls’ Dodgeball. Mr. Karan Kamble and Ms. Santoshi Karade took top honors in Boys’ and Girls’ Running events, making their school immensely proud.
The event was enriched by the presence of school trustees, headmasters, and alumni, who created a festive atmosphere for the participants.
Special Sports Event for Visually Impaired Students
On December 21-22, 2024, Masoom held a heartfelt Annual Sports Event for visually impaired students of Maratha Mandir Night High School, Mumbai. This two-day event celebrated inclusivity and accessibility, with outdoor games like fast walking, lemon & spoon, and three-leg races held at Gandhi Maidan, Worli. Indoor sensory games on Day 2 highlighted the students’ exceptional abilities to overcome challenges.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony led by the Headmaster and Masoom’s SSC Department Head, Mr. Shashikant Gawas, who recognized the remarkable spirit of the participants. Special thanks to ANZ Bank, alumni, SMDC members, and volunteers for their unwavering support. These celebrations exemplify Masoom’s dedication to fostering holistic growth through sports and education. By creating inclusive platforms for all students, regardless of their circumstances or abilities, Masoom continues to inspire confidence, unity, and resilience within its community.
