Event Concept

At City Montessori School (CMS), we believe that education is not just about academic excellence, but also about developing well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a global society. Guided by the timeless ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — “The world is one family”, CMS strives to nurture students who are compassionate, confident and capable of embracing diversity.

Our founders, Late Dr Jagdish Gandhi and Dr (Mrs.) Bharti Gandhi, envisioned a school where students grow as responsible global citizens, equipped with the values, skills and mindset to contribute positively to society. Their philosophy inspires every initiative at CMS to promote unity, respect and collaboration across cultures and nations.

A four-year global review published in the UNESCO Global State of Play Report on Quality Physical Education (2024) found that structured physical education can raise students’ academic test scores by up to 40%. This finding reflects a simple idea: physical activity can strengthen more than the body. It can develop focus, discipline, teamwork and resilience.

At City Montessori School, this belief shapes SPARDHA – International Sports Olympiad. It is designed to bring together school students from India and abroad for four days of sport, creativity, interaction and cultural exchange. The event reflects the CMS belief that education must develop the whole person. Academic learning builds knowledge. Sport adds another dimension: it teaches students to prepare, perform, respond to pressure, work with others and respect rules.

SPARDHA – International Sports Olympiad 2026 brings this idea into practice by featuring six disciplines — Track & Field, Judo, Karate, Badminton, Move & Groove – Dance Aerobics, and Brush & Beyond – Poster Making.

The second edition of SPARDHA, hosted by City Montessori School RDSO Campus, Lucknow and organised from 24th to 27th October 2026, aims to bring together young school participants from India and abroad. The inaugural edition in 2024 brought together teams from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

At CMS, we are committed to providing a safe, stimulating and enriching environment for all participants. With world-class facilities, dedicated organisers and a supportive atmosphere, SPARDHA 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience — a celebration of sportsmanship, learning and global unity that leaves a lasting impact on every student.

Why Attend SPARDHA 2026?

• Compete with purpose through structured sporting disciplines.
• Learn by doing through practice, participation and real-time competition.
• Build teamwork by working with peers from different schools and cultures.
• Develop resilience by learning to handle both success and setbacks.
• Discover new strengths through sport, movement and creative expression.
• Experience global citizenship through friendship and cultural exchange.

Every event offers a chance to prepare, participate, compete and reflect. The outcome is not limited to the scoreboard. It encourages participants to build confidence, friendships, discipline and the willingness to take on a new challenge.

This Olympiad is more than a competition; it is a celebration of human potential and cultural diversity. Every participant contributes to a vibrant community, sharing experiences, talents and aspirations that foster mutual understanding and inspire excellence.

SPARDHA 2026 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

2nd SPARDHA – International Sports Olympiad is aligned with the following UN SDGs:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promotes physical fitness, mental resilience and healthy lifestyles through organised sports and movement.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Delivers experiential learning that builds discipline, teamwork and life skills beyond the classroom.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Brings students from diverse schools and countries together on an equal platform of fair competition.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Fosters friendship, mutual respect and peaceful collaboration across borders through sport.

Every match, every relay and every team photograph at SPARDHA marks a small step towards the world he imagined: one where young people from different nations meet as equals and friends.