Intercollegiate swimming competition held in city

Mangalore, August 13: Sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game. It is knowing that you are as good as your opponent, said Dr. Meera Aranha, General Manager of Karnataka Bank, Mangalore.

Speaking at the inaugural function of Mangalore University Intercollegiate Swimming Competition 2012-13 organised by St. Agnes College (SAC), Mangalore, on August 13 at Mangala Swimming Pool, Lalbagh, she said that most of the winners in sports were from rural areas, while the urban youth followed mostly indoor sports. She advised the parents to encourage their children to participate in outdoor sports.

In recent times, children are pressurised by parents to come first in studies and competitions. They are made to feel that even a second rank is not good enough. In such cases, they get disheartened. In sports, one must also be a good loser, and not get depressed, she said.

She encouraged the competitors to aspire for athletic fame through fair play and sportsmanship.

Delivering the presidential address, Sr. Marie Prem D'Souza, Principal, St. Agnes College, said that one must dream of things to accomplish them. “Every sportsperson dreams of winning medals and coming first. To achieve these dreams, we need relentless planning, practice and commitment,” she said.

“Humans have conquered all mediums. We have conquered water not just by swimming, but also by use of ships and submarines. We have gone to the depths of the ocean. We have conquered air and space with aircraft, helicopters etc. Certainly, humans looked at animals for inspiration to conquer these. He has imitated the fish by swimming effortlessly, which is an achievement,” she said.

She encouraged the competitors by saying, “Your 'I can' is more important than your IQ. Your determination is more important your intelligence in the field. You need to tell yourself 'I can do it'.”

Sanketh Bengre, national level swimmer, inaugurated the programme.

A total of 20 teams from different colleges are participating in the competition, said Convenor Vasudha S., Physical Culture Instructor of the College. Separate competitions for men and women will be held, and an overall championship will be awarded at the valedictory function, she said.

Prof. Ronald Mascarenhas, HOD of Department of Chemistry, welcomed the gathering, and Vidya Sarawathi proposed a vote of thanks. Jennifer compered the programme.