Muscat: MCCP annual volleyball, throwball tourney draws huge response
Report : Celine D'Souza
Pics : Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Nov 18: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi organized yet another of its outdoor activity, a volleyball / throwball tournament, for members and their families on Friday November 15 at the Wadi Kabir Sports Ground.
Throwball, a very popular recreational sport for women and volleyball for men drew large crowds of sports enthusiasts to the grounds and members came to benefit from the physical activity that is necessary to improve one's well-being and to keep oneself fit. MCCP has been exploring wonderful opportunities to engage its members in regular outdoor activities which not only tend to keep them more relaxed but active at the same time.
Registration counters at the event were well organized by Shaila D’souza, Anitha Lobo, Joylin Gonsalves and well controlled by Dolly Gomes.
As in any event, one has to acknowledge the importance of a prayer and this was led by vice-president sports and finance committees Ophelia Lazarus to invoke almighty’s blessings.
The president Lancy Lobo in his welcome address thanked members for their support and attendance in large numbers to make MCCP events successful.
The inaugural ceremony was aptly done by main sponsor of the day Dolly Gomes along with president and his executive team.
Eight volleyball teams played with great spirit and intense focus, some of them smacking the ball really well. After the initial toss, the game went on in full swing with two teams in the court. There was also some blocking, aggressive servicing and easy passing of ball between teams in the court. The tournament was played on knock-out basis and with tennis points.
The game picked up momentum and people were excited to watch some rallying in some teams before two teams cruised towards the finals. Throughout the match the referee monitored the faults and related scoring issues.
The main referee Ronald D’souza was in full control blowing his whistle and signaling the players when required. The game picked momentum and he was assisted appropriately by his team of linemen. They stood at the corners of the court watching the lines to indicate whether a ball in play falls in or out of the court. Sharon Alva, Ravin Rodrigues, Wilson D’souza and Alwyn Pinto provided brilliant assistance to the referee.
Likewise, there were five throwball teams for ladies also playing on knock-out basis with tennis points. The ladies teams ignited a spark and had stiff competition, as scores were at close tie and were a delight to see some rallying going on before 2 teams dominated and emerged in the finals that showed great performance to clinch the trophy.
Grace before meals was done by Alwin Pinto. The EC team had organized sumptuous lunch, refreshment and evening snacks to all its members; thanks to magnanimity of valued sponsors who assisted in making MCCP events successful.
To lighten the tensed atmosphere and enhance sporting spirit there was sensational and lively music in the background by DJ Loveline Rego.
Suraj Rebello and Dolly Gomes, the extraordinary duo whose eyes light up when games are in progress and who serve MCCP selflessly, were very supportive with their efforts and apt ideas. They were in full control of the event and handled formation of teams and briefed the rules to all the teams very precisely.
Nany Vaz, vice-president (cultural, spiritual and community services), proposed the vote of thanks expressing sincere gratitude to all those who rendered their support and help.
Commentators for the day Russell D’Souza and Brian Currie, assisted by Flavia D’souza, attracted the attention of all gathered with their live and running commentary.
MCCP has been cautious in avoiding injuries at any sporting event and to provide on-site medical treatment nurse Asha Noronha was present. Despite minor injuries, members along with their families returned home safely.
Sponsorship provides a great means of support to any programs. This event was powered by sponsors Vincent Gomes and Dolly Gomes, Shajan Trading LLC courtesy Philip D Almeida, and Al Hajiry Trading LLC courtesy Sam Varghese.
The sponsors for the year are Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives – mega sponsor, and Omantel, courtesy Eula Pinto – main sponsor, and co-sponsors Muscat Pharmacy, Sky United Logistics courtesy Dilip Correa.
MCCP's dedicated team of volunteers consisted of Sunil D’souza, Nixon Lobo, Cyril Britto, Naveen Sequeira, Sharon Alva, Ashok Pinto, Wilson Lobo, Sylvan Lobo and Joyal D’souza and Melwyn Lobo.
The scorer Henry Rodrigues did an excellent job keeping track of the score and time-outs.
Joachim D’souza and Arun Lobo captured the event with their fabulous photography.
The 22nd MCCP executive committee led by president Lancy Lobo is accredited for wielding its services tirelessly and catering to its members and their families in providing a mix of cultural and sports events so that all are actively involved in MCCP activities.
Results
Volleyball - Winners
Alwin Pinto – captain
Ravin Rodrigues
Jeevan Saldanha
Gerwyn Dias
Raphael D’souza
Alwyn Almeida
James Noronha
Rony Lobo
Prakash D’souza
Volleyball - Runners-up
Lancy Lobo – captain
Roshan Mathias
Hanson D’souza
Vikas Fernandes
Jonathan Bennett
Milton Rebello
Jason Mathias
Anil D’mello
Joseph D’souza
Throwball - Winners
Ophelia Lazarus - captain
Shaila D’souza
Jyotsna D’souza
Maria Lobo
Reshma D’costa
Claudine Lewis
Rida Vaz
Helen Sequeira
Philomena Mendonca
Throwball - Runners-up
Celine D’souza – captain
Cynthia Mendonsa
Lenita Lobo
Agnes Picardo
Diana Lewis
Celine Pinto
Joyce Gonsalves
Priya Menezes