12 February 2024, Dimapur: The fervour of sportsmanship resonated through the corridors of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School in Dimapur today, as the Don Bosco Sports Academy was inaugurated amidst much anticipation and excitement. This landmark initiative commenced with the introduction of the Don Bosco Football Academy, a pioneering effort by the Salesians of Don Bosco, aiming to nurture budding talents in the realm of sports.
The genesis of the Don Bosco Football Academy traces back to the Strategic Planning and Consultation for Salesian Apostolate (SPCSA) meeting held on 26 February 2021, where the green light was given to establish football academies across India under the aegis of the Don Bosco Sports Academy. This visionary endeavour seeks to imbibe the ethos of Don Bosco’s educational philosophy, catering to the holistic development of youth through sports.
At the heart of the Don Bosco Sports Academy lies a noble mission: to mould the youth into disciplined individuals, equipped with quality skills to excel in sports, while fostering their passion and creativity on a robust platform. The inauguration ceremony commenced with an introduction by Fr. Jaojian Daniel Gangmei, SDB, Coordinator/Delegate of DBSA, followed by a scripture reading by Sr. Regina Chawang, FMA, Superior of Auxilium Convent, and an opening prayer by Fr. (Dr.) A J Sebastian, SDB, former Professor, Dept. of English, National Central University.
The message and blessings were bestowed upon the initiative by Fr. Nebu Mathew, SDB, Rector, and Administrator of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur. The crowning moment came with the declaration of the Academy’s opening by Fr. (Dr.) Peter Salew, Director of Don Bosco Youth & Educational Services (DBYES), and Salesian Youth Ministry Delegate for Dimapur Province.
The inauguration of the Don Bosco Sports Academy marks a significant milestone in the realm of sports education, promising to shape the aspirations of countless young talents, and enrich the sporting landscape of Dimapur and beyond. As the academy sets sail on its journey, it carries with it the indomitable spirit of Don Bosco, guiding and inspiring generations to come.
(IND Correspondent)