Muscat : MCCP’s Fun Sports Day – Fun for Everyone
Report : Clarence Pinto
Photographs : Dilip Correa and Arun Jivraj Lobo
Daijiworld Media Network - Oman
Muscat, Feb 13: It was a fun filled day for the members of MCCP, the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish, (Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi) at the huge green ground of Muscat Sports Club at Al Wadi Al Kabir, Ruwi on Friday, 12th February 2010. A “Fun Sports Extravaganza” filled with various fun games, gift hampers for every one was organized by the current Executive Committee of MCCP and thoroughly enjoyed by all the members and their families.
The registration commenced at 11.00 am and there were eight teams; namely, Kube (Pink color flag), Bangde (White color flag), Shevte (Yellow Color flag), Santeram (Green color flag) , Kaanem (Orange Color flag), Tharle (Blue Color flag), Thate (Purple Color flag) and Kurleo (Red Color flag). The team leaders were Donald Fernandes, John Mathias, Brian Currie, Victor Baptist Pais, Donald Pinto, Samuel D’ Silva, Sylvester Alva and Simon Saldhana. The deputy Team Leaders were Shalet Noronha, Nirmala Goveas, Philomena Moras, Sharmila D’Silva, Lucy Sequeira, Shaila D’ Souza, Helen Sequeira and Savitha Rebello. The rainbow lady team members of the Executive Committee were also supported the eight teams and they were Lavina D Sa, Prescilla Machado, Monica Dantis, Lydia Sanctis, Tressy Goveas, Jessie Pereira, Mariete Fernandes and Reena Mathias.
The day commenced with a warm and hearty welcome by Lavina D’Sa – Cultural Secretary of MCCP. Clifford Sanctis, a prominent business personality of the Mangalorean community, Managing Director of Hydrotec International LLC - market leader in the field of Lifting Equipments and Solutions Providers and a constant supporter of the Mangaloean community events in Muscat, was the guest of honor. Suraj Rebello, MCCP President escorted Clifford Sanctis to the stage. The current Executive Committee team members, Prescilla Machado, Monica Dantis, Jessie Pereira, Cyprian Misquith, Lydia Sanctis, Ajith Rajesh Walder, Lavina D'Sa, Mariete Fernandes and Reena Mathias along with Suraj Rebello, were on the stage. The Core Team members Henry Martis, Stanley Fernandes, Donald Pinto and Clarence Pinto were also present.
Prescilla Machado, Vice President – Finance and Sports Committees and Monica Dantis, Vice President – Cultural, Spiritual and Community Services Committees presented a floral bouquet to Clifford Sanctis.
The march fast of the eight teams with their respective team banners and flags was carried out and salute of honor was received by the Guest of Honor, the President and the Executive Committee members.
Nirmala Goveas, a prominent Konkani activist and writer offered the prayers. Suraj Rebello officially welcomed the participants, promising a huge entertainment and fun filled day for the community members through out the day.
Immediately after the inauguration, the day began with games for infants and continued throughout the day till 7.00 pm. The fun day had many games and entertaining events for every member of MCCP. Some of the games were Water Carrying Relay, Sack Race, Tug of War, Valentine Day Special, Dance Competition, Various Races for various categories, Cutting Apples and joining them etc. There were prizes to all the winners (First three) and team prizes were also presented.
The major part of the Fun Sports Day was the felicitation and farewell ceremony to the beloved Mangalorean priest and spiritual advisor of MCCP, Fr. Albert D’ Silva. Fr. Albert currently serves as the assistant Parish Priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi will be the new Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala from 27th February 2010. The anchor of this ceremony was Lavina D’Sa and she carried out the proceedings professionally. Fr. Albert was invited to the dais by Suraj Rebello. Pangalacho Kollo (Jasmine of Pangala) and Dakleancho Rai (King of records) Henry Martis presented a short profile of Fr. Albert highlighting the strong association of Fr. Albert with the Konkani Community in Oman. He also detailed the leadership qualities and down to earth human nature of Fr. Albert. Martis emphasized the powerful inspiration rendered by Fr. Albert to MCCP thus helping MCCP to grow and attain the success and popularity. As mentioned by Martis, Fr. Albert will be the first Mangalorean priest to have the Parish Priest’s position in the Sultanate of Oman. Suraj Rebello presented a memento to Fr. Albert on behalf of MCCP. Prescilla Machado and Monica Dantis offered a “Love Present” to Fr. Albert on behalf of the Konkani Community in Muscat. In his address, Fr. Albert thanked the Mangalorean community in Oman for their continuous support and prayers and thus helping him to achieve his goals as a priest.
Ajith Walder – Sports Secretary of MCCP proposed the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all the sponsors, supporters and patrons
The main sponsor of the event was Areej Vegetable Oil and Derivatives SAOG. The co-sponsors were Mr. Wilfred Menezes, Omnitec Security Systems LLC - Dubai and Coastal Pearl Trading LLC.
The gift sponsors were Enhance – Oman, Khimji Ramdas, OHI, Muscat Sports, IFFCO, Muscat Pharmacy, National Detergent Co. SAOG, W. J. Towell (Consumer Products Division and Building Material Division), Sweets of Oman, Jerald Mascarenhas - General Manager - Hamadan Trading Group – Transport Division, Oman International Bank, Barka Poultry Farm, Pocari Sweat, Tiffany, Ramaniklal Kothari & Co, Al Maya Stores, Grill House, Oman United Agencies, Oman Foodsuff Factory LLC (Al Mudhish), National Tea Co., Raphael Quadras – Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading LLC, Al Ahlia Insurance Co.SAOC., Bank Muscat SAOG, Zonal Trading, Jacintha Brown and Joachim D’ Souza.
The whole ground was beautifully decorated by Jacintha Machado and her team. Jenny Joseph, well known beautician of the community along with her team offered the face painting and henna for all. KIMS Oman Hospital – a Hospital renowned for care and compassion, had offered the Mobile Ambulance and Emergency services.
A special support was also offered by Brinston Noronha, Rudolph Vas, Clifford Castelino, Benedict Pereira, Henry Martis, Vinita Crasta, Teresa and G. V. Ramakrishna.
The sumptuous lunch and appetizing snacks were provided by Divine Restaurant - Ruwi.
Everyone enjoyed the day of fun. Every member had gifts to carry home. Great efforts by the Team MCCP and great appreciation should go to them.