Pics by Alwyn D'sa
Report: SMKC Correspondent

Dubai, Jan 29: St. Mary’s Konkan Community (S.M.K.C) Dubai organized a full day’s ‘Family Fun Day’  to the people of all ages at Zabeel Park in Karamam, recently.

Under the able direction of  Boniface Carlo,  the new Main Coordinator of SMKC,  all core team members and volunteers gathered in the park at 8:00 am,  well ahead of  people’s arrival and completed all necessary arrangements to welcome the enormous crowd of 400+.  Even though,  initially morning sky was gloomy with clouds,  Sun could not hide for a long time and started smiling,  as great number of people walked in progressively.  A delicious breakfast was served to the picnickers from 8:30 onwards as they came in.  Once the breakfast session is completed,  one of SMKC Core member  Norbert Sequeira initiated the event with a warm welcome address at 9:45 am.   

The much awaited action began with special warm-up games for the grown ups organized and conducted by Lawrance D’Souza and Jerina Lewis.  Vijay Almeida and his young game team volunteers assembled all the children below 14 years and carried out various interesting games.    It was clearly evident by the loud noises of joyful laughter and cheerful screams of both adults and children that they were thoroughly enjoying each and every game,  joining in great numbers.   After an hour’s exciting games for all,  it was time to segregate energetic crowd into 4 equal groups with the distribution of colour ribbons and further fascinating team-wise games continued.   

As the vivid team games continued,  Rev. Fr. Freddy D’Souza,  Spiritual Director of SMKC arrived and elevated the picnic spirit further by his ever supportive and energetic words. As per 3 judges,  who were nominated to evaluate the performance of participants,  winners of each game category were selected and rewarded with gifts. 

One of the interesting factor of this picnic team games was the segregation of adults and children into 2 separate groups and conduct relevant age wise fun games for each group simultaneously,  for the equal distribution of fun for both in one picnic.   Volunteers efforts were greatly appreciated by all for their assistance in perfect arrangement and maintaining the discipline for such a large crowd. 

It was lunch time from 1:30 to 2:30 during which sumptuous lunch was served by Canara Restaurant.   After the lunch session,  prizes for winning team,  team leaders were announced.   Ever favorite game Bingo was conducted with the distribution of great prizes like air tickets and home appliances.

A small felicitation program was held to honor Rochelle Antao,  a student of Our Own English High School who secured 100% marks in Mathematics at the 2007 CBSE Board Exams.  Also Roshan Vaz,  the web programmer of  ‘Konkanuae’ website was  acknowledged for his great service.  

Entire day’s program was efficiently compered by  Lawrance D’Souza,  Norbert Seqeuira and Jennifer Mascarenhas.   DJ Rudy enthralled the crowd throughout the day providing great music enjoyable and appropriate for every session.  Picnic continued in the afternoon with more exciting games, spot prizes, dance competitions for all and lucky coupon draw  conducted by Jennifer Mascarenhas.   After serving tea and snacks,  with the thanksgiving note picnic concluded at 5:00 pm.

It was indeed an immense success for the SMKC Main Co-ordinator Boniface Carlo,  Core Team and Volunteers for their team effort in organizing this cherishable event  and a new beginning to organize more and more such events to bring concord and togetherness in Konkani community.