FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Salesian Educators and PE Teachers Meet to Strengthen Coordinated Sports Ministry

19 January 2026

Sports and Games,

News reported by: Francis Xavier

Physical Education teachers and Salesians from schools, higher secondary institutions, and centres of higher education of the Salesian Province gathered for the first time on January 17 at Don Bosco, Fatorda, to reflect on collaborative ways to coordinate the Sports Ministry across the province. The meeting marked an important step in recognising sports as a vital sector of Youth Ministry requiring structured attention and collective planning.

With the aim of better coordinating the various sectors of Youth Ministry, participants identified Sports as an area that could significantly benefit from a unified approach. The gathering sought to bring together the efforts of different institutions, along with PE teachers and Physical Education Directors, to ensure a more effective and consistent sports ministry for young people.

The programme began with a reflection on the seriousness and relevance of sports as an integral part of the Salesian Youth Ministry Frame of Reference. Fr. Ralin De Souza, Salesian Youth Ministry Delegate of the INP Province, presented the importance and nature of sports as envisioned in the Frame of Reference, from which Salesian institutions draw inspiration for their pastoral and educational mission.

Br. James Marcus, Director of the Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, and the province’s representative to the national body, shared insights into the National Sports Academy’s plan for common sports initiatives. He underlined the need for the province to develop a systematic and coordinated approach to sports ministry, aligned with national efforts.

Dr Michael Dias, Director of Sports at Dempo College (Cujira Complex) and a member of the SYM INP Sports Team, highlighted the effectiveness of collective effort. He pointed out that Salesian institutions are richly endowed with sports infrastructure, expertise, and equipment, which, if shared, could offer young people stronger and more comprehensive sports development opportunities.

The final session focused on open discussion and future planning. Participants examined suitable periods for organising sports events, priority age categories, training programmes, and ways of pooling resources. Specific sports and Scout and Guides activities were also identified in preparation for Boscoree next year. The outcomes will be presented to the provincial commission and to principals and managers for serious adoption in the forthcoming academic calendar.