News: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Sep 7: It was a historic day for ICYM Kuntalnagar as it hosted the first diocesan-level sports meet here on Sunday September 6. The event received huge response with around 600-odd youth from 22 parishes of Udupi diocese participating in the day-long outdoor activities.

The day began with the mass at Kuntalnagar church, followed by a 2-km colourful procession from the church to the event field. The event was flagged off by Ida D'Souza, member of Udupi zilla panchayat.

Udupi district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake was the chief guest for the inauguration, while Msgr Baptist Menezes, diocese of Udupi presided over the ceremony. The inauguration was done by Vinay Sorake and the other dignitaries by pouring paddy grains into a barrel.

The ICYM flag was hoisted by Fr Denis D’Sa, signalling the opening of the sports meet.

Addressing the youth, minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said, "Until yesterday, the weather was very hot, but this morning it is drizzling and the rain god has shown mercy on our youngsters. It is reassuring to see youngsters showing interest in field sports and organizing such games. I congratulate all the people who have organized such a wonderful event. Playing must not only be to win against the opponent, it must bring us together and bring out the unity and team spirit in us."

Msgr Baptist Menezes wished everyone good luck for the day.

The other dignitaries on the dais were Fr Fred Mascarenhas, vicar var of Udupi deanery, Fr Edwin D’Souza, secretary, youth commission, diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Kuntalnagar, Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Udupi diocese, Ida D’Souza, Ranjani Hegde, president, Belle gram panchayat, Geetha Ram, president, Manipur gram panchayat, Valerian Mathais, vice-president, Kuntalanagar, Walter D’Souza, animator, youth commission, diocese of Udupi, Jacintha Noronha, animator, Kuntalanagar, Derik Mascarenhas, president, ICYM, diocese of Udupi, Idvin Suarez, president, Udupi deanery, and Anthony Mendonca, president, ICYM Kuntalanagar.

Shyamala Shetty and Kumuda were felicitated for providing their land to host this event. Fr Denis welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Fr Fred preached the homily, while vote of thanks was proposed by Flavia Mathais. The entire morning's inaugural program was anchored by Anthony Mendonca.

Games such as volleyball, pyramid, tug-of-war and other individual events for the boys, and dodge ball, throwball and other individual events for the girls evoked huge response.

The valedictory session commenced with Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, as the president of the ceremony and Fr Jerome Monteiro, parish priest, Miyar, as the chief guest.

The bishop in his address said it is the Pope's dream to sustain greenery for the future generations. "Everyone should join hands in this dream, especially the youth," he said, adding, "Winning is not important, positive involvement and being competitive is important."

Fr Jerome asked the youth to maintain a competitive spirit. "This world is not only competitive but also challenging. This event has enhanced competitive spirit in the participants. Every youth must enact towards the development of self, their family, their society as well as the diocese, and shine in the light of Jesus," he said.

Fr Denis thanked the youth as well as the parishioners for making this event a major success.

Fr Royson Fernandes, director, ICYM, Udupi deanery, Walter D’Souza, Fr Fred D’souza, parish priest, Thottam, Joseph Kunder, Manipur, convenor, Sauhardha Samiti, Sakaram Shetty, president, Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti, Dendoorkalmanje, Nelson D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Sabha, Kuntalnagar were the other dignitaries at the valedictory.

Valerian Mathais was felicitated as a representative for the parishioners as well as for his service as a vice-president for Kuntalnagar church. Eden D’Souza was honoured on being elected as a Karnataka Regional YCS cultural and liturgical secretary, and for being the deanery president.

Feline welcomed the dignitaries while Anthony Mendonca proposed the vote of thanks. The valedictory programme was anchored by Roshan Kuntalnagar.

Youth of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, emerged the overall champions, while Holy Cross Church, Pamboor bagged the runner-up trophy.