By THA SC

Banpong, Thailand, 17 January 2024 -- The Salesian Education Commission of Thailand organized the 10th Salesian Sports Festival to strengthen good relations among Salesian institutions and create a sense of what it means to be a Salesian student. The event encourages sportsmanship, knowing how to lose, knowing how to win, and knowing how to forgive. In addition, this was also an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Salesian Congregation in Thailand - under the motto: “Harmony Leads To The Century - relationships and unity towards 100 years of the Salesians”.

The 10th Salesian Sports Festival of Thailand was held from 12 – 15 January 2024 at Sarasit Phithayalai School. There were 8 schools participating (7 Salesian schools and 1 school of the Salesian Sisters), with Father Chinnawat Suvadinkul, Director of Sarasit School, presiding over the event as host. There were more than 2,000 athletes and students participating, competing in a total of 15 sports, such as football, futsal, basketball, 3x3 basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, badminton, table tennis, petanque, Thai chess, checkers, swimming, athletics, e-sports, and Rubik's cube.

Cultural and musical performances by students from various schools were arranged in the evening.

The opening ceremony was held on the evening of 12 January 2024, presided by Father Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, provincial of Thailand. Even though the young people came from various institutions, yet there was unity since all were Don Bosco's children.

In addition, the sports competitions among affiliated schools of the Salesian Congregation of St. John Bosco in Thailand, or for short the “Salesian Sports Festival,” began on 15 October 1977 at the Sarasit Phithayalai School field, Amphoe Ban Pong Ratchaburi Province on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Salesians in Thailand. These competitions were held to celebrate the 50 years of the mission of the Salesian Congregation, which has worked in Thailand since 1927 (B.E. 2470). Later, the Educational Committee of the Salesian Congregation considered and deemed it appropriate to organize sports and athletics competitions among the students of the seven affiliated schools and schools in the Surat Thani Diocese, which are managed by Salesian confreres. These competitions are held every three years, alternating with the Salesian Scouts Jamboree and Salesian Academic Fair.

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