Kuwait: Al-Rathath Ladies Throwball Tourney – Kuwait Konkans Clinch Trophy
Media Release
Kuwait, Apr 21: The eagerly awaited maiden Al-Rathath Ladies Throwball Tournament 2010, got underway at American International School grounds, Maidan Hawally here, recently. It was nice to see all teams present at the venue on time with their supporters and families in large numbers. The participating teams were Al-Rathath, AAK, Dubop A, Dubop B, Kuwait Konkans, KVWA, Shooting Stars, Smashers and Starz.
The inaugural programme commenced at 8.00 am with the compere of the tournament, Jason Lasrado, with all the nine participating teams lined up for a cracker of throwball festival. The chief guests, Lawrence Pinto, Bader Al-Mulla, John Fernandes, owner of Power Control Electrical Co, Louis Lobo, representative of Property Infra Tech Pvt Ltd, Rudy D’Souza, president of KCWA, and Felix D’Souza, owner of Al-Rathath Est. Kuwait, sponsor and organizer of the event, were called on to the dais by the compere and accorded welcome. Nelson from KVWA and Satyam from Tulukoota Kuwait, were also present at the venue to support the tournament.
The family tree with all the team placards which specified unity and solidarity among the players was one of the main attractions of the day. A beautiful prayer was led by Dylon Cornelio. Lighting of traditional lamp was done by Felix and Nancy D’Souza, the sponsors of the tournament, the chief guests, Rocky D’Souza couple and Monica Cornelio as well as Deepali representing the volunteers and referees.
Welcome Speech was given by Reema Lobo, who welcomed all the chief guests and the teams. Soon after the speech, a brief introduction of referees was done by the compere. Each team was introduced to the crowd followed by a team photo.
The formal inauguration ceremony began when the colourful balloons were released into the air by the chief guests. A beautiful dance by the tiny tots, the cheer girls (Diona, Janice, Melony, Daphny, Melita, Shanice, Merryl, Vianka, Anice and Rhea) was really entertaining. Felix D’Souza lit the solidarity torch and declared the tournament open. All teams gathered around the torch along with Lawrence Pinto, with their right hands stretched and said the oath as a mark of sportsman spirit and solidarity, followed by Kuwait National Anthem, as a respect to the host country followed by Indian National Anthem. Lastly, the ‘Ball Inauguration’ was done by Felix D’Souza couple.
The opening match was played between all the team captains and the chief guests followed by another match with team captains and team representatives, respectively (seven points).
After initial league matches and semifinals, Kuwait Konkans and Al-Rathath were framed up for the grand finale and Kuwait Konkans clinched the Al-Rathath Trophy, while the Smashers were awarded the second runner-up trophy. All participating team players were served with breakfast, Lunch and refreshments by Al-Rathath Est. Kuwait.
It was a well attended prize distribution ceremony, with all the chief guests and throwball teams present at the venue. Sabeena Fernandes thanked each and everyone present on the ground for the day-long event, the sponsors for their whole-hearted support and encouragement, the volunteers for their co-operation; and finally the players, who played the entire tournament with sportsmanship spirit.
The referees were awarded with a trophy in appreciation for their services. Lastly, the prize distribution ceremony was carried out by the chief guests. All participating teams were awarded with certificates and individual prizes were awarded to Aamna (Best Server), Enica D’Souza (Best Smasher), Freeda Rodrigues (Best Receiver) and Flavia Sequeira (Best All-Rounder).