Kuwait: Variety Competitions Enliven KCWA Christmas Tree
Report & pics: Wilson & Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (SP)
Kuwait, December 5: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), under the leadership of its president, Rudy D’Souza, organized its annual Christmas Party at the Carmel School Auditorium (basement hall) on Friday December 4, from 4.00 pm onwards.
The programme commenced with an introduction by Anil Fernandes, and inviting the judges of the various competitions along with Praveen Menezes, the time keeper for the competitions, to the programme.
KCWA has always been a platform for the youth, and has always encouraged them to build a brighter future. In tune with this policy, young emcees, Jolin and Deandra, were given the opportunity to conduct various competitions organized on the occasion. There were fancy dress competitions for the children in the age groups 3 to 8 and 9 to 12 years, dance competition for those aged between 13 and 19 years, and traditional dress competition for the ones aged 19 years and above. After appreciating the efforts of the young compeers, the judges of the competitions were welcomed on the stage and were honored by KCWA president, Rudy D’Souza. This was followed by the president’s address. Sponsors and co- sponsors of the programme were also felicitated on this occasion.
The merit scholarships sponsored by Sam Alphonso, P V Saldanha, and Lawrence D’Souza, were awarded to the students of tenth and twelfth standard from Kuwait and India, for their academic excellence. ‘Spinns Confectionery’-sponsored extra-curricular award for the members' children, was awarded for the children who won in the CBSE inter-school competitions, inter-college competitions or represented the school outside the state/country in the academic year 2008-09.
Different games were conducted for the children belonging to different age groups. Lots of spot prizes were also awarded in between. Christmas tableau along with a message was one of the events of the day. Fr Melvyn and Fr Theo were felicitated for their contribution to the society, Konkani and KCWA, by the Association president, Rudy D’Souza, ex-presidents of KCWA, Jossy Pinto and Steven Machado.
Fr Melvyn delivered the Christmas message to the gathering. It was the most sentimental moment for both Fr Melvyn and the audience as, he will be leaving Kuwait in a month on account of the routine transfers. Prizes were distributed to the competition winners. Children were excited, as they were loaded with lots of chocolates and gifts, once Santa made his entry after the carol singing by Salmiya Choir group.
Special member’s draws were held for the active members present on the venue, and also for the renewal of the memberships for 2010. New members were introduced to the audience. Hamper draw was held with fabulous prizes during the event. A painting of Trevor was auctioned among audience. A hen and a rooster were brought in a procession, which happened to be a special attraction of the event, and then auctioned for a good sum.
Steevan Misquit delivered the word of gratitude and visiting priest, Fr Henry Sequeira, offered the grace before meal. A grand dinner prepared by Oriental Restaurant was served at the end.