Sunil Fernandes Kota
Daijiworld Media Network
Sharjah, Nov 30: ‘Karaval Milan’ has succeeded in chartering their profile to a new audience besides the old faithful by successfully organizing their Christmas Sports Fiesta 2014 at the event held at the ‘Sharjah Wanderers’ on November 28, 2014 at the lush green grounds.
A total of 36 teams in the Team sports , all sporting title aspirations who played hard with sportsman spirit fought tooth and nail in the Fiesta to decide the Winners.
Dublin Challengers (Cricket), Ace Spikers (Men’s Volleyball), Friday Smashers (Women’s volleyball), Konkans Dubai (Men’s Throwball), Mangalore Konkans (Women’s Throwball) emerged as the champions of the Karaval Milan’s X’mas Sports Fiesta 2014.
Liberty Automobiles Co of Sharjah were the Event sponsors, Dunes & Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments of Dubai and Mr.Albinus Vaz were the Associate sponsors of this memorable Karaval Milan X’mas sports Fiesta 2014. There were also a host of Support Sponsors and Well Wishers who supported the event.
In a thrilling Cricket final Dublin Cricketer’s who were a cut above the rest during the league matches were fully tested in the semi finals and finals before defeating valiant Berry Floor Cricketer’s with the second last ball of the match in an exciting final.
In a nail biting men’s volleyball final Ace Spikers beat Karaval Milan in 25-13, 23-25 & a tie Breaker set of 16-15 wherein Ace Spikers showcased their ace calm nerves by saving a Match point.
In the women’s volleyball finals Friday Smashers and Chaude Mixas both teams from the Philippines fought each other in a neck to neck battle with the lead changing hands several times before Team Friday Smashers smashed their way on a Friday to emerge deserved champions with a nail biting score line of 10-15, 15-14 and the Tie breaker 15-14.
In the Women’s throwball final Mangalore Konkans had to dig deep into their reserve of rich experience to edge past Konkans Dubai 15-14, 6-15 ,15-12 in the tie breaker while in the Men’s final Konkans Dubai romped past Managalore Konkans in straight sets of 15-5 and 15-13.
The event started at 9 am on a cool morning with a vibrant opening ceremony of lighting the torch by prominent media personality Walter D’souza Nandalike, Chief Editor of Daijiworld. The colorful balloons were released by the Chief Guests with the cheers of players and crowd. The old English classic song for a better tomorrow ‘We are the World’ was sung melodiously by Kimberley Mendonca and her team of singing children. National Anthem of UAE was sung by Goldina & her team. Karaval Milan Director Wilson D’sa welcomed everyone with a few words in Tagalog too to the pleasant surprise of the Fillipino teams.
Tribute was also paid to the Australian cricketer Philip Hughes by observing a minute of silence who died two days back while playing match.
Dayan D’souza, Founder of Daijidubai, Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight Systems, Lancy Madtha of Integrated Logistic Systems, Fr. Francis Lewis Parish Priest of Manipal graced the opening ceremony as Chief Guests. KM president Naveen D’souza was also present on the dais. UAE’s budding cricketer Oswin Crasto, who made his debut in the UAE’s under 19 cricket team was felicitated during the opening ceremony. Winners of Gulf voice of Mangalore 2014 Morvin Quadros & Joshal D’souza were also felicitated during the occasion. Former Mumbai cricketer Oswald Alphonso took the oath on behalf of the players.
Lots of games for kids, ladies and families were organized in between the matches of Cricket, Volleyball & Throwball. Kids were also seen enjoying with on the bouncy castles installed in exclusive children play area.
The free health check up camp set by Metropolitan Medical Center, Dubai on the grounds was utilized by most of the players and spectators to check their vital body parameters.
Free energy drinks were served by Chilli Willy to regularly top up the sagging energy levels throughout the Event.
The “Mikasa” brand balls used for the matches were sponsored by Silver Shield Trading Co, Dubai.
A special attraction was a unique dance floor converted on the Basketball Quadrangular where a live DJ Alwyn played foot tapping music to which a boisterous crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves to mark the advent of the X’mas season.
Chilled beverages, Yummy BBQ’s & Food was served by the caterers of Wanderers Club.
Santa made his entry to the ground with the escort of Karval Milan members while choir singing the X’mas carols thus entertaining the spectators.
Lots of prizes were given away in the novelty draw conducted by the sale of X’mas caps which were largely sponsored by glittering jewelry maker ‘Swarovski’.
In a colorful prize distribution ceremony Trophies & Medals were given to the champions and runners up teams. Best individual performers were awarded with Trophies. Also semifinalists of all categories are awarded with medals. Match officials were honored with mementos for their service. Representatives of Sponsors of the event, Corporate Cricket team sponsors Liberty Automobiles, Utico, Daddyz-Carmaze, Dublin Challengers, Intermodal Global, Berry Floor were present on the dais.
Event concluded with a vote of thanks by Karaval Milan President Naveen D’souza. The daylong event was compered by Uttam Menezes who displayed incredible charm, poise and stamina for the entire day amidst the din and the excitement of the players and the spectators
Following is the Summary of Match Results :
Corporate Cricket Cup :
Winners: Dublin Challengers
Runners Up : Berry Floor
Semi Finalists : Daddyz- Car Maze Vs Berry Floor
Dublin Challengers Vs Liberty Automobiles
Man of the Match of Finals : Safwan (Dublin Challengers)
Men’s Throwball Event:
Semi Finalists : Konkans Dubai Vs Canara Catholics Fujairah
KCO Abu Dhabi Vs Mangalore Konkans, Dubai
Winners : Konkans Dubai
Runners up : Mangalore Konkans,Dubai
Best All Rounder Player : Alan Mendonca (Konkans Dubai)
Women’s Throwball Event:
Semi Finalists : Mangalore Konkans and KCO Abu Dhabi
Karaval Milan and Konkans Dubai
Winners : Mangalore Konkans
Runners up : Konkans Dubai
Best All Rounder Player : Nancy Quadros (Mangalore Konkans, Dubai)
Men’s Volleyball Event:
Semi Finalists : Karaval Milan and St.Mary’s Tamil Community
Ace Spikers and United Mangalore
Winners : Ace Spikers
Runners up : Karaval Milan
Best Spiker : Dancy (United Mangalore)
Best Lifter : Binu Mathai (Ace Spikers)
Best All rounder Player : Wilfred Vegas (Karaval Milan)
Women’s Volleyball Event:
Semi Finalists : Chaude Mixzas and Konkans Dubai
Friday Smashers (A) and Friday Smashers (B)
Best Spiker : Ghileen Labrador (Friday Smashers-B)
Best Lifter : Anjela Gonzales (Friday Smashers-B)
Best All rounder Player : Elsie Bustamante (Chaude Mixzas )