Report: Eric D'Sa
Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Dec 1: Konkan Ghar Riyadh (KGR) successfully held its 3rd annual sports meet in Riyadh on November 27.
The day commenced with traditional south Indian breakfast. Anita D'Sa Pangla and Mueral Nazareth Thottam, comperes of the inaugural ceremony of the KGR sports day 2015, elucidated the purpose of the sports meet to the gathered sports lovers. Eric D'Sa, Pangla, in his welcome speech, expressed his appreciation to all members and sponsors for their support and attendance in large numbers on the day.
The sports event was inaugurated with the very age old tradition of lighting the ceremonious lamp by the guests, sponsors and the KGR representatives. Savitha Aranha Shirva led the gathering into prayer befitting the occasion. Sports meet oath was recited by Alwyn Rodrigues Shirva. Dr Vani Shetty, the third umpire for the whole sports event was invited to the dais and was honoured with a flower bouquet by Helen Lewis Sastan.
The gathered crowd was then segregated into four houses (teams); Red House, Green House, Yellow House and Blue House captained by Kevin D'Souza Adiyar, Salvador Fernandes Moodbidri, Asha Vas Padil and Prima Fernandes Moodbidri respectively.
The classic sports parade led by the captains of the four houses with their respective team members to the march-fast beat added color to the sport meet.
Sports meet hit the ground with a chain of games.
Children up to std 1 took part in 'kicking the ball between the stumps, and throwing the ball into the bucket' games.
100 meter race was conducted for children of age groups studying in std 1 to 3 and 4 to 6.
Wear it in order race (socks, shoes, water bottle and bag) was conducted for children of age group studying in std 1 5 and 6 10.
One leg race was conducted for children of age groups studying in std 3 to 6 and 6 10.
'100 meter race with cups arrangement' was conducted for children of age group studying in std 6 to 10.
All the children enthusiastically participated in 'tin dismantling with the ball' game.
While gents participated in 'slow cycle race, 3 leg race and sack race'; ladies took part in '3 leg race and sack race'.
Gents and ladies below 40 years of age and above 40 years of age took part in 100 meter race, shot put throw and 4 x 100 meter relay.
Lemon and spoon race and balancing the book on the head were organized for the age group of 50 years and above category.
Group games were the special attractions of the evening, as they created lots of healthy tension, vigor and team spirit between the four houses. ‘Piling highest number of matchsticks on the bottle neck and tug of war' were the games that stimulated lots of fun and entertainment.
4 X 100 meter mixed relay (gents and ladies 2 each from each house) was the game of the day that drew attention and applause from the crowd.
Amitha Royston Prabhu Bejai kept the children busy by conducting a variety of indoor games.
During the sports presentation and valedictory ceremony; first, second and third place winners, both, in the individual as well as group category, were invited to the victory stand and were felicitated with gold, silver and bronze medals and bouquets.
The house championship was won by Blue house with 105 points while the first runner up was secured by Red house with 72 points. Green house and Blue house finished their point tally with 49 and 42 points respectively. While Remy Lobo Deralakatte handed over the championship Trophy to the house championship winners; first runner up trophy was presented to Red House by Kevin Nazareth Thottam.
Registration counter at the event was well organized by Victor Menezes Thottam and Roshan Pinto Moodbidri.
The scorer Alwyn D'Souza Niddodi did an excellent job by keeping track of the score and Edmond Lewis Sastan coordinated the on the ground sports activities. Royston Prabhu Bejai, with his live commentary added spark to the sports meet. To enhance sporting spirit there was sensational and lively music in the background by DJ Rayan Rodrigues Moodbidri.
To satisfy the appetite, very delicious and sumptuous meal was catered by Al Mas Restaurant. Evening snacks, tea and soft drinks were provided to all the members.
Jasmine Menezes Miyar, proposed the vote of thanks during the sports presentation and valedictory ceremony. All the members participated in the sports and enjoyed every moment without considering the age limit. All in all, a fun filled day with lots of sports activities created home-away-from-home atmosphere.