Ushering in the Golden Jubilee year of an individual or an organization is an honour and a privilege accorded to just some chosen few. St. Anthony’s Institute Sports Academy (SAISA), located in a cul-de-sac on the northern end of Pali Village and the corner of 21st /33rd Road Bandra is one such privileged organisation. A privilege richly deserved, which no one will grudge. The Trustees used to run a rudimentary primary school, St. Anthony’s School. This school catered to the children of the villagers. SAISA emerged from humble beginnings as a rather nondescript club then named PJ’s. To assist and fund in the management of the school, few of the trustees formed PJ’s which brought together the young lads around to play sport and have fundraisers to assist the school. Incidentally, PJ’s does not stand for Pali Junction as is commonly believed. The name PJ’s was borrowed from the iconic night club in California, associated with the youth rocker of that era – Trini Lopez.
The Trustees finding it difficult to run the school inducted two young spirited neighbourhood gentleman Ken Drego and Ronnie Drego to work alongside and be Trustees to manage the school. For various reasons, the primary one being the gradual mushrooming of bigger schools in the area, St. Anthony’s School was fighting a losing battle for survival. With a heavy heart, the Trustees shut it down in the year 2006 after following due processes.
The Trustees then decided to launch SAISA (registered as a Charitable Organisation), by constructing a full-fledged 4 storied building (availing a Bank loan). Thus, SAISA came into being or PJ’s – in a brand-new avatar. The Club’s multifarious activities now include Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Table Tennis, Carom, a Fitness Centre, a Celebration Hall and the ubiquitous – Housie. SAISA also houses a restaurant appropriately named what else? PJ’s! Unfortunately, when the primary school was shut albeit reluctantly, the Collector took back the plot of land adjoining the school. This land had been put to good use by SAISA by constructing a lawn tennis court on it. This was also used to conduct some thrilling rink hockey, volleyball and tennis tournaments.
The loss of the ground on a technicality was a dampener but SAISA could not let that hiccup stifle its activities. Over the years, SAISA has gone from strength to strength. Membership is open to all. No favouring any particular community. Memberships are truly flexible i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or on an annual basis. Top class coaching is provided by reputed coaches. With such an awesome pedigree, SAISA is now one of the much sought-after clubs in a burgeoning secular neighbourhood. SAISA is now in celebratory mode, the reason – it’s Golden Jubilee. This happy augury is mainly due to the three persons who have walked the talk these past 50 years -Chairperson Mrs Anandini Thakoor, Hon. Secretary Ken Drego and Trustee Ronnie Drego. Their relentless dedication has shaped the Institution SAISA. To celebrate this milestone, SAISA hosted a month of kaleidoscopic events: Tournaments in table tennis, chess, badminton, sports carnival, royal icing workshop for children, a paint party teaching, tape resist art for children. A thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev Fr Colman Carlos followed by a dinner dance with the band Watts in attendance. Flag Hoisting was by Swapna Mhatre Corporator.
An impressive function was organised by SAISA on August 15, 2019 evening. A galaxy of down to earth celebrities like sports luminaries Padma Shree Smt Bhagyashree Thipsay, Chess Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, Olympic Gold Medallist and former India Hockey Captain M.M. Somaya, Hockey International Diago D’Souza, ex Dy Mayor Smt Alka Kerkar, three-term Corporator Asif Zakaria, Corporator Swapna Mhatre and the SAISA family attended to applaud and encourage this unique club. A club which has done so much for Sports in its glittering tenure of 5 decades. Chairperson and renowned Social Worker Anandani Thakoor were on hand to greet and welcome the honoured guests. Kudos to the Trustees and Managing Committee especially Mr Ken Drego who was with the club from inception and still has the indefatigable energy to go on for another 50 years. In his brief address, he was happy to mention that SAISA has since repaid its bank building loan and is now debt-free. SAISA is not all about fun and games. SAISA has been constantly doing its bit to help needy causes, especially in the areas of medical assistance. SAISA selflessly gives until its hurts! In the spirit of charity which is an ongoing contribution and commitment of SAISA, donations of Rs 50,000/- each was handed over to The St Vincent the Paul and Ravindra Joshi Medical Foundation. SAISA is also a pioneer in energy conservation. The solar panels ensure a saving of at least Rs. 30-40 lakhs a year. Thanks to a new filtration technology, its swimming pool water needs to be changed only once in 10 years! The slick celebratory function was held at the SAISA club itself. The building was all aglow, preening like a newly dressed bride. The programme/entertainment was all in house. This was such a refreshing move. Normally large funds are spent in hiring professionals. SAISA showed the way, how to harness in house talent. Ms Geeta D’Souza’s entertaining tableau “Looking Back, Looking Forward” was the pièce de résistance of the evening. The sheer virtuosity of the in-house talent on display, be it singing or dancing had the appreciative audience delirious with excitement. I could spot Somaya ex-Hockey Gold Medal Olympian enjoying the lilting music. Shri Ashish Shelar was at his humorous eloquent best. In his address, he stressed the point that in his official capacity he needs to visit various clubs and gymkhanas. The one club where he always felt at home was SAISA, a club he has been visiting for over 14 years. He also offered all possible help from his side and requested SAISA to invite him for its 100-year celebrations too!
