Pics: Jerald Dsouza
Media Release
Doha, Dec 19: As the Christmas spirit surrounds all, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Qatar organised, Children’s Christmas party on December 15 at 9 Pearls Compound Clubhouse for the MCC children. The children’s celebration was like a breath of fresh air as the whole atmosphere was in a festive mood decorated with Christmas tree, crib, balloons and all children dressed in Christmas colours red and green. Christmas mood was all set up with beautiful smiles on more than 60 children in the age group of 0 to sixteen years who gathered to celebrate Christmas and shared in the joy, celebration and gifts from Santa Claus.
The programme was emceed by young and enthusiastic Clarina Pinto. The evening began with a prayer by Alyssa Rego, cultural secretary Kavita Tauro welcomed the children on behalf of MCC executive committee.
MCC conducted Christmas Carol Singing competition for the first time and witnessed good response from young kids. There were seven entries for below 8 years and six entries for 8 to 12 years category. Children sang beautifully Konkani and English Christmas carols. In below 8 years, the first prize was won by James Ethan Rego, second prize by Nicole D’Souza and the third prize by Leron D’Souza. In 8 to 12 years category, the first prize was won by Naith Pinto, second prize by Kaeton Lewis and the third prize by Rishon Fernandes. The competition was judged by well-known community members Carol D’Souza GVOM runner-up 2016 and Naveen D’Souza, Konkani choir member and musician. President Sunil D’Silva honoured them with gifts.
Della Rego presented a Christmas talk to children in an interactive way about Santa Claus, Jesus being the centre of Christmas and the meaning of Christmas decorations and traditions. Spot prizes were given away to children who answered her questions.
Santa Claus then made a grand entry dancing his way to the stage with the ever popular carol 'Jingle bells' and entertained children giving away chocolates to them. Children also enjoyed a photo-shoot with Santa. The centre of celebration was cutting of Christmas cake, singing and wishing Merry Christmas. MCC president Sunil D’Silva along with Santa Claus, Excom members and children cut the cake. Children enjoyed the delicious cake.
Shalini Monthero then conducted some interesting games like Narrating the parable, Balloon pyramid, Snowball challenge and Leaves under your feet. All children were divided into 4 groups namely Christmas Tree, Angel, Snowman, and Santa Claus. Parents too joined them in the group games. Group leaders Alister D’Souza, Anika Quadros, Alyssa Rego, Chrizelle Pinto were given prizes.
Santa Claus group was awarded the maximum points while Christmas tree won second place. Children along with parents and friends enjoyed thoroughly the group games. All group members celebrated their victory with sweets.
Jerald D’Souza was honoured by advisor Jacintha Mendonca for his continuous support to the club in various events with his memorable photography.
Adlene D’Souza then rendered the vote of thanks. The party ended with a prize distribution to all Carol competition winners and who won games. Advisor Riana Pinto along with Santa Claus gave away certificates and prizes to all winners while joint cultural secretary Shaila Menezes presented the carol singing participants with small gifts. Children left the party happily with Christmas souvenir, sweets and snacks.
MCC president and cultural team thanks all sponsors, Alfred Sequeira for the venue and sweets, William Aranha for the cake, Naveen D’Souza for the music, volunteers for their support who were instrumental in bringing in the Christmas cheer and putting a smile on the faces of the little children.