(ANS – Hong Kong) – On 29 and 30 January, the days immediately prior to Don Bosco’s Feast-day, in this Bicentenary year, all the primary and secondary schools joined together in Hong Kong to organize and participate in the DB200 Joint School Games Day. Fr. Vaclav Klement, Regional Councillor of East Aaia–Oceania was present for the occasion.

“We want to play, cheer and celebrate joyfully with Don Bosco to express our desire, hope and trust in life as we know that God is with us” said the young people.

They then promised to “learn diligently, enrich themselves, nurture virtues, serve their families, school and society, and to develop a sincere relationship and deep friendship with Jesus Christ.”

The students tried to express their declaration and promise in the games.

Salesian confreres shared the joy with the young by their presence. Different schools joined together not only on the playground. They also showed that they were of one heart and one mind. Participants cared for each other in the games, offering a helping hand whenever they could. This friendship is what Don Bosco expects every young person to show, that is, to offer help to those who are in need.

This large scale activity allowed the young to enjoy themselves in a joyful atmosphere, sharing the feeling of one family. Apart from the students, this activity also created a strong sense of belonging and bonding between principals and teaching staff. After this great event, many who were present showed their friendly feelings towards each other by sending messages of appreciation. After 200 years, Don Bosco is in our midst.

Fr. Klement invited the youth to reflect: “During these days we were very happy. But, how about after the games? How do we attain true happiness? Apart from the happiness of winning in the games, is there anything deeper, eternal and more profound? True happiness is in sharing with others, listening to our friends and their needs, and trying to help each other to be happy”.

Published 04/02/2015