Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Oct 31: The Konkani Community of St Paul's Church Mussafah, here, on Friday, October 27, held their second annual family picnic day at Yas Island Park with a great fervor.
After the Friday morning Mass, approximately 300 people gathered at the picnic site. The picnic started with a prayer led by Br Robert Cardin. Fr Ashok Gonsalves, spiritual director of Konkani Community blessed the congregation. Br Robert Pinto welcomed the gathering and appreciated their support for all events and requested them to continue the same for the future.
Immediately, after the opening prayer, traditional breakfast was served to all gathered and immediately after the breakfast cultural secretary Lawrence D'Souza formed ten groups and provided group-wise badges for identification. To warm the people up, a balloon game was conducted and people both young and old participated in the game.
Several other games were conducted including passing the water filled balloon, passing the ring, longest human chain, filling the water bottle, and queen of Sheeba. The highlights of the games were 'tug of war' and 'breaking the earthen pot' which was tied at a height of 9 ft. People enjoyed all the games and appreciated the efforts of the organisers.
The special guest of this picnic was Fr Annie Xavier, parish priest of St Paul's Church, Mussafah who blessed the food and appreciated the community activities that benefit all.
After the meal, 'Housie-Housie' game was played. Suresh Saldanha conducted it. A good number of gifts were distributed to the winners. A member of the Yas Island Park Management Ali was felicitated for his cooperation as he greatly helped the organizers by providing the
permission for picnic and assisting in providing the generator.
Immediately after Housie-housie, games resumed and all groups participated. At the end of the session, a common theme was given to all groups with a 5-minute time limit after which they were asked to perform. All groups participated and prizes were distributed to the winning group.
In between tea-coffee and snacks were served to all participants as refreshments.
Prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. There was a special lucky prize winner as against a ticket. The final attraction of the picnic was a Kabaddi match played between volunteers.
Robert Pinto thanked all the gathering, sponsors and volunteers for their support. The picnic concluded with a prayer led by Fr Ashok Gonsalves. The gathering recited Laudate praising the lord for the wonderful day.
Everyone, both young and old, enjoyed the memorable day with family and friends.