By Janet D’Souza
Pics: Ivan Lobo
Canada, Jul 6: Anxious eyes scanned the Weather Network weeks prior to the get-together and MAC executive members looked frantically at the skies trying to read between the clouds as predictions of rain increased. Despite this, approximately 400 plus brave Mangalureans attended the annual get-together organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) on June 22, at the Meadowvale Conservation Park, Mississauga. The day turned out to be balmy with bursts of sunshine, a slight breeze uplifting everyone’s spirits and moods and moments of cloudiness with sporadic rain showers. Children, parents, seniors and youth brought their get-together baskets, umbrellas, soccer balls and most of all, their enthusiasm and liveliness.
With a prayer thanking the Lord Almighty and Mother Mary for the many blessings, the get-together was officially declared open. DJ Joyson with his inimitable style effortlessly rose to the occasion and entertained the community with his wonderful music and Baila. The first game of the get-together programme was Passing the Parcel for toddlers and little kids and as the kids ran to ‘get an arm’, or they passed a parcel, a throng of people cheered them on. With happy smiles, some teary faces and eager hands, the children accepted the candy bars and gifts. The 3-legged race tested the agility and balance of the teenagers and adults who hopped, straggled or ran towards the finish line. The youngsters outdid themselves with the Lemon and Spoon race. The seniors were not to be left out and they showed their aim, enthusiasm and mettle in the Corn in the Hole game, an innovative and fun game that required some arm work and a keen eye. The Family Relay required dexterity, agility and eye hand coordination as the runners carefully transitioned the baton while running as fast as their legs could carry them. The Water Balloon Throw is one of the most popular organized games among all people and this year too, there was a serpentine queue of participants. As the lineup was formed, participants coached their partners on throwing and catching techniques. With much yelling and screaming and at the blow of the whistle, the balloons broke and drenched the unfortunate, but the lucky winners were the ones who were able to successfully catch the water balloon without breaking it.
The focus of the event is to bring the community together, make new friends and have fun in a family setting. In every game, there are winners and losers but at the MAC get-together, there were no losing teams. The volleyball and throw ball games generated great competitive and friendly spirits as spectators yelled encouragement to the teams. Nine teams were formed, and people participated wholeheartedly and enjoyed a few aggressive games of throw ball and volleyball. The Tug O War contest was elevated to an Olympic sport at the MAC get-together as men and women girded their loins and put in their best effort. Men and women, children and teens did not hesitate to form teams and in a show of unity heaved themselves to victory and the other team to defeat. The gauntlet was thrown, the challenge was accepted – men against women in a test of strength, strategy and numbers. Women were yet again the winners in this sport. The teams of volleyball, throwball, Tug O War and children were provided with a delicious, sweet treat of tetra pack drinks sponsored by Rubicon, courtesy of the partnership with ICICI Bank.
The potluck during lunch was an amalgamation of a medley of dishes. The community was fortunate to have in their midst Fr Baptist D’Souza visiting from Lucknow who led the thanksgiving prayer before lunch. Fr Baptist D’Souza expressed his appreciation at the wonderful power of a community gathering and MAC’s initiative in bringing people together. After the prayer, lunch commenced with everyone sharing food and drink in a show of camaraderie. Bowls of mouthwatering vorn, a traditional dessert of Mangaluru and prepared by Ronald and Suneetha D’Souza, were served after lunch. After a short break, delicious watermelon cooled down people who played strenuous rounds of team sports. Bingo provided a respite from the hectic fun and a time to relax and sit. Monetary prizes were awarded to the delight of the crowd and the winners walked away with a tidy amount. Then came the quintessential teatime and of course, a concoction of masala ‘chai’ with cookies were served to the community. MAC was thankful to Sundine Produce carrying the brand Telugu Foods, a fresh wholesale produce distributor for their delicious snack packages that were thoroughly enjoyed with the masala tea. ICICI Bank was also thanked for their support and sponsorship and for hosting a booth at the get-together to create and promote awareness of their numerous solutions and services especially for international students.
As the sun set in the horizon, the evening came to an end and people, tired but tremendously happy, folded their tents and umbrellas, packed their belongings and headed home, content, smiling and exhilarated to mingle with old friends, share a gossip or two or just have fun. MAC had fulfilled its objective and mandate - to bring the people to a common venue to meet and mingle and offer opportunities for youth to have a day of fun yet show initiative and leadership. MAC thanked the photographers Aaron Fernandes and Ivan Lobo for their prowess in capturing pictures and never to be forgotten memories. MAC earnestly appreciated the work of MAC members and volunteers who sacrificed their time and energy and put in great efforts to ensure that the get-together was a superb success.