The Commission for Education Diocese of Kohima (CEDOK) organised All Nagaland Catholic Schools Inter-School Athletic Meet and CEDOK Teachers Award on October 10 at St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima with Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima as the Special Guest for the Inaugural Ceremony and Dr Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Executive Officer, NSDMA and Shashank Pratap Singh IAS, Principal Director, School Education, Nagaland as the Special Guest and Guest of Honour respectively besides other dignitaries at the closing ceremony cum CEDOK Teacher’s Award.

Over 700 students under four categories of Junior and Senior, Boys and Girls from 33 Catholic Schools from all over Nagaland joined in the Athletic Meet participating in various track and field events which included 100 Meter Race, 200 Meter Race, 400 Meter Race, 400 Meter Relay Race, Sack Race, Obstacle Race, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Arm Wrestling and open to all exiting Bamboo Climbing.

The day-long celebration began with prayer and welcome extended by the host School. Rev Dr George Rino, the Principal of St Joseph Higher Secondary School, while welcoming all delegates wished the participants a fruitful and enjoyable day ahead. Rev Fr Renthungo N Odyuo, the Joint Secretary of CEDOK administered oath to the participants, inspiring them to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

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Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, the Special Guest, encouraged the participants to pursue excellence with discipline, unity and faith along with academic pursuit, before declaring the Meet Open.

The efficiently organized track and field events for various categories simultaneously at various locations in the same campus gave rich, satisfying and fulfilling experience to the participants in a family spirit. The Meet brought together some of the best athletes of state and provided avenues for tough competition and excellent performance in various track and field events. The exiting bamboo climbing had 26 teams competing together to reach the top.

The Dimapur Athletics, Naga Arm Benders, Post Graduate Students of NEISSR and host of Fathers and Sisters assisted as officials at the Meet.

At the valedictory function held in the evening, Rev Dr Jacob Charalel, Secretary, CEDOK, welcomed the dignitaries. St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, St Anthony School, Tenyiphe and Carmel Higher Secondary School, Chekiye entertained the gathering with their performances.

Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, the Guest of Honour, in his message appreciated the efforts of CEDOK in fostering holistic education among students by organising such events and inspired students to make best use of such opportunities to excel in life. Dr Johnny Ruangmei, in his message as the Special Guest, encouraged the young athletes to participate in more sport events to foster sound mind and disciplined life.

He invited them to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and healthy competition that define the very nature of Catholic Schools. He asked the participants to celebrate not just the winners, but all participants who have demonstrated remarkable spirit, perseverance and team work.

The Guest of Honour presented the prestigious CEDOK Teachers Award 2025 consisting of Certificate, Memento and Cash Award, in recognition of their commitment and excellence in the field of education to Sarita Gurung of St John Higher Secondary School, Tuensang, Adole Rhetso of St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Viswema, Ethel of Holy Child School, Burma Camp, Temjenyangla of Assisi Higher Secondary, School, Khermahal, Khriezomenuo of St. Andrew School, Jotsoma and Asosü Dominic Pfokreni of St Mary Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima.

Khriezomenuo expressed her gratitude to CEDOK for this recognition on behalf of all awardees. She acknowledges the role of students who shape the journey of a teacher to excellence and reminded the teachers that they are shaping the future of the society and exhorted them to teach with heart rather than with mind.

The winners of the Meet were presented with Certificate, Medal and Memento while all participants were given certificates of participation.

Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur and St Andrew School, Thenyizumi emerged as overall Champions of the Meet. After Rev Fr Renthungo N Odyuo proposed the volte of thanks, the Special Guest lowered the flag to mark the official closing of the Meet.