No one ever knows the last time they will see someone face to face. As I pen down this tribute, I still cannot believe it is true. An extraordinary presence in Goa who championed sports, a figure who epitomised success through dedication and hard work, that is what the name Lavinio Rebello meant to many Goans.
To his students, Sir Lavinio was always our Sports Master. As a former student of St Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa, I had the opportunity of being Sir Lavinio’s student and through the six years at St Mary’s, got to learn and grow under his expertise.
Sir Lavinio, it is still surreal to think that you are no longer among us. As a young 5th Standard student, when I joined St Mary’s, physical education was always very scary for me. I knew every Physical Education class was a serious thing and we as students needed to give off our best. You always pushed us girls to strive for excellence, never underestimating our abilities and encouraging us to achieve greatness in sports.
As I grew up and became a high school student, I realised things were tougher. Sports practices were more strenuous and rigorous. Marching was a signature routine at St Mary’s that trained us students for the big Sports Day. Being a part of the school cabinet in the 9th and 10th Standards, I learnt how every step mattered as we marched our way to the stage to take our oath as leaders. I can still remember you standing at the entrance of the hall and directing us to start on the right foot and to swing our hands in unison. It was a proud moment for us and surely must have been for you too.
10th Standard, well, that is the hardest part to write down, because those memories are unforgettable. From being the teacher who counted the election votes which determined the leaders of the new academic year to the grand Sports Day event of 2013 – these memories are etched in my mind as I look back on those past days.
As leaders of the school, we knew what practice sessions meant. In addition to practicing with our squads, we had further practices with Sir Lavinio to perfect our skills and to learn our commands. There were times when Sir would get really angry when someone did not follow orders or when one of us forgot our positions. I would secretly pray in my mind that we would get it right the next time. The 10th Standard March Past in my year was special to me because I watched how Sir Lavinio wanted us to make it different somehow. Thank you for that, Sir. I cannot begin to imagine walking into school again and not seeing you, Sir, doing what you did best. I was proud to be your student, proud to get to know you and learn from you. I shall forever cherish those memories. It is difficult to say GOODBYE, but I am sure as you look down from Heaven, you are proud of the legacy you built at St Mary’s High School, Mapusa. Every Sports Day henceforth will have Sir Lavinio’s presence in it for sure. Thank you for being a mentor and for championing sports education. You will always be remembered and your presence will live on.
REST IN PEACE, Dear Sir.
