"In the past when the Parsi school boys used to step on the sports field the opponents used to fret,” stated chief guest businessman Jimmy Kharadi speaking on the importance of sports in the life of students. Welcomed by Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS) president Mahazarin Variava, Kharadi was invited to preside at their sports day held on December 24, 2023 at the Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy School grounds, stated ZWAS secretary Daizy Patel in a note to Parsiana. "The children, up to class 12, took part with zeal exhibiting good sportsman spirit,” she stated. Events included sprinting, chess and volleyball. The tiny tots had special age-appropriate events that involved jumping (Bunny Rabbit Race) and the like.
Patel organized and conducted the event for ZWAS with Ariana Parabia, Kayan Katpitia, Myra Parabia and Anoash Chichgar as well as sports masters Viraf Varachawala and Jamasp Patrawala "who were on their toes the full morning guiding the children,” and other referees. Food items were on sale. Sports material was provided by the Parsi Girls’ Orphanage and food by the Surat Parsi Panchayat kitchen.
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Clockwise from top: organizers and participants at the Zoroastrian
Women’s Assembly of Surat sports meet; chief guest Jimmy Kharadi
(3rd from r) holding torch