In a landmark moment for youth sports in Goa, the Don Bosco Oratory (DBO), Panjim, inaugurated its newly constructed international-standard wooden indoor basketball and volleyball court on Tuesday evening, ushering in a new era of sports excellence for young athletes across the State. The inauguration, held at 4:00 p.m., formed part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Don Bosco Oratory Building while also commemorating the Oratory's remarkable 81 years of dedicated service to the holistic development of young people.

The ceremony commenced with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Fr. Clive Telles, SDB, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Panjim Province, accompanied by members of the Provincial Council. The occasion was graced by Fr. Tamatur Cardozo, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Panjim, Salesian priests, benefactors, representatives of the Goa Guardians, distinguished guests, sports personalities, well-wishers and members of the media.

Following the inauguration, flower bouquets were presented as a token of gratitude to the Provincial, members of the Provincial Council, and representatives of the Goa Guardians in appreciation of their commitment and collaborative support in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.

The celebrations continued with a solemn prayer service, invoking God's blessings upon the new facility. The court was then officially blessed by Fr. Clive Telles, who entrusted the sporting arena to the loving protection of Mary Help of Christians, the Patroness of the Salesian Family. The blessing symbolized the Oratory's enduring conviction that sports remain an integral part of the holistic education envisioned by St. John Bosco, fostering discipline, teamwork, character and faith among young people.

In a symbolic and memorable gesture, Fr. Clive Telles scored the inaugural basket on the newly laid professional wooden court, officially opening the facility for sporting activities and the inaugural tournament. The moment was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the large gathering, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the sporting history of the institution.

The newly inaugurated wooden court represents a major infrastructural transformation, replacing the former tiled playing surface with an international-standard wooden floor that meets modern sporting requirements. The project became a reality through a collaborative partnership with the Goa Guardians, whose national-level volleyball team required a professional indoor practice venue. Their support has enabled Don Bosco Oratory to establish one of the finest indoor sporting facilities available to young athletes in Goa.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the wooden flooring offers significant sporting advantages. Designed to international specifications, the surface provides enhanced shock absorption, superior grip and improved ball response while substantially reducing stress on players' knees and joints. These features contribute to greater player safety, improved performance and the ability to host high-quality basketball and volleyball competitions throughout the year.

Speaking on the occasion, Br. James Marcus, SDB, Director of Don Bosco Oratory, described the new court as "a living testimony to God's providence and the generosity of countless benefactors who believe in investing in the future of our young people." He noted that the facility goes beyond being merely a sports arena, representing the Oratory's unwavering commitment to nurturing the God-given talents of every child and creating opportunities for young people to excel both in sports and in life.

"As Don Bosco taught us, the playground is a place where values are formed, friendships are built and character is strengthened. This court will continue that legacy by producing not only outstanding athletes but also responsible citizens and committed Christians," he remarked.

The inauguration also highlighted the enduring mission of Don Bosco Oratory, which for over eight decades has remained a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of children and youth in Goa. Through sports, education, faith formation and cultural programmes, the institution continues to embody the Salesian preventive system of education founded on reason, religion and loving kindness.

With the addition of this world-class indoor facility, Don Bosco Oratory further strengthens its position as one of Goa's premier centres for youth development and sporting excellence. The project stands as a shining example of what meaningful collaboration between educational institutions, the corporate sector and the wider community can achieve in creating lasting opportunities for future generations.

Br. James Marcus sdb
Director of Oratory