ICYM Udupi Hosts ‘Sportify’25': A Grand Celebration of Youth, Faith, and Sportsmanship

Udupi, May 29, 2025: Sportify ’25, a diocesan-level sports event organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Udupi Diocese in collaboration with ICYM Udupi Deanery, was held on Sunday, May 25, at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarkad, Udupi. The event aimed to promote sportsmanship, unity, and community spirit among Catholic youth and witnessed participation from over 38 ICYM units across the diocese.

The day commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated at St. Cecily’s Chapel, Udupi. During the Mass, spiritual blessings were invoked upon the participants and organisers of the event. This was followed by sporting activities, commencing with a 1500-metre race for men and women. Later, a colourful March Past was held where the five deaneries — Udupi, Shirva, Kallianpur, Kundapur, and Karkala — creatively represented the symbols of the Holy Spirit: Cloud, Seal, Water, Fire, and Wind, through meaningful props.

The event was inaugurated with the hoisting of the ICYM flag by Rev. Fr Charles Menezes (Dean of Udupi Deanery and Event President), along with other dignitaries, including Rev. Fr Steevan Fernandes (ICYM Udupi Diocese Director), Rev. Fr Ronson Dsouza CSC (ICYM Udupi Deanery Director), Mr. Nithin Baretto (ICYM Udupi Diocese President), and Mr. Rouvin Pereira (ICYM Udupi Deanery President). The ceremonial torch relay featured one athlete from each deanery, symbolising unity and competitive spirit.

The formal stage programme was conducted by Ms. Sharan Crasto, Udupi Deanery Secretary. It featured a prayer by the Udupi unit members, a welcome address by Mr. Nithin Baretto, and an oath-taking ceremony led by Diocesan Sports In-Charge Mr. Venol Lewis. A significant highlight was the unveiling of REDON, the logo of the diocese’s new blood donation initiative. Rev. Fr Charles Menezes delivered a keynote address, while Fr Steevan Fernandes briefed participants on competition rules. Mr. Collin Dsouza closed the session with a vote of thanks.

Competitions during Sportify '25 featured a broad array of track and field events — including sprints, hurdles, long and high jumps, shot put, discus, and javelin — as well as deanery-level team sports such as volleyball (men), throwball (women), relay races, and mixed doubles badminton. Track events concluded by early afternoon, while team matches extended into the evening.

The valedictory ceremony in the evening was compered by Mr. Glanis Monteiro. Dignitaries present during the ceremony included Rev. Fr Ronson D’Souza CSC, Mr. Edwin Mendonca (Chief Guest and Physical Director at St. Cecily’s High School), and Rev. Fr Ashwin Aranha. Sponsors of Sportify’25, as well as 11 physical training instructors, were honoured during the ceremony. Mr. Edwin Mendonca and outgoing Deanery Director Rev. Fr Ronson D’Souza were also felicitated during the ceremony.

Key Results:

Individual Champions: Mark Antony D’Costa (Kallianpur Deanery) and Arnika Varsha D’Souza (Udupi Deanery)

March Past: Kallianpur (Winners), Karkala (Runners-up)

Relay 4×100m (Men): Kallianpur (1st), Udupi (2nd), Shirva (3rd)

Relay 4×100m (Women): Shirva (1st), Kallianpur (2nd), Udupi (3rd)

Mixed Doubles Badminton: 1st – Glanish & Glancia Pinto (Udupi); 2nd – Mohith & Rebecca Rodrigues (Udupi)

Volleyball (Men): 1st – Shirva; 2nd – Udupi

Throwball (Women): 1st – Udupi; 2nd – Kundapur

Overall Championship: Udupi Deanery (Winners), Kallianpur Deanery (Runners-up)

The day-long event concluded with the singing of the ICYM Diocese anthem, encapsulating a spirit of camaraderie, athletic excellence, and shared faith.

By Joyce Geenal Fernandes

Secretary,

ICYM Udupi Diocese