by Amitha D’souza
SMKC Correspondent

Photographs by Maxim Pereira / Alwyn Coutinha

Dubai, Feb 20: Friday, February 18, dawned, bright and sunny, and along with it the promise of a beautiful, exciting and action packed day for the picnickers of the SMKC organized Family Fun Day 2011 on Friday, February 18 @ Zabeel Park, Dubai .

The committee members began the day with a prayer.  Nourishing breakfast of Idli-Vada sambar and tea / coffee was served as early as 9.00 AM to the early birds. A counter manned by Aveena D’silva was opened for the people to register for the family data lucky draw.

At ~10:30 a.m., the seasoned emcees Roshan D’Silva & charming Amitha D’Souza welcomed the gathering and the picnic started off on a vibrant note.  Mrs. Jennifer Mascarenhas, the President of the SMKC Dubai, welcomed one and all.  She declared the PICNIC open as Mr. Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight Systems Co LLC, released a bunch a balloons in the air.

The initial warm up games like “Crossing the Dubai Creek” and “Birthday Months” generated a lot of excitement and set the tone for the day! The enthusiasm was so infectious that all the games conducted saw immense participation and interaction from the picnickers.

As the morning progressed, there were ~ 700 in the crowd assembled for the famous ‘SMKC FAMILY FUN DAY 2011’.  A ‘Valentine Special’ ambience was created when people in RED were asked to line up to claim the best dressed in RED and alluring costumes.   SMKC Members themselves were dressed up in Red T shirts and yellow caps to keep up the spirit of this lovable season. 

This was followed by “Tossing of the Water Balloons” for couples which was exciting for both the participants as well as the onlookers.  “Crunching of the Newspaper” into a ball within 60 seconds saw participation from the Senior Citizens.  At 11:30 a.m. the children from the Catechism classes came in and exciting games were conducted for them.  “Kitten Walk” for the age group 0 to 3, “Shopping Bags” for the 3 to 8 age group, “Bowling at the Wickets” for the boys and “Dodge Ball” for the girls in the age group of 8-16.

At the same time a few games targeted the bachelors who were only too eager to participate in “Crawling Competition” and “Funniest Laugh” that created a lot of buzz among the men.

Lip smacking delicious food was served on time to all and the menu included the all-time favorite “Mutton Polov” and “Vorn”.
Post lunch the show stopper event of “SMKC Carnival”- International - national costume Parade” unfolded as the participants came dressed in the attire of different countries.   Zabeel Park came alive with the gaiety and merriment as the parade made its way through the park and everyone joined in dancing, whistling and generally having a great time!! Prizes were given for the “Best Costume”!

The picnickers were then divided into 4 Teams, where they had to select their Captain and a name for their team - S (Shining Stars), M (Meet Mirsang), K (Kangaroos) and C (Crooks).   The participants displayed strong sporting spirit and enthusiasm as they competed in “Passing the Bottle”, “Stuffing of Balloons”, “Shaving the partner”, “Humorous Skit” and “Dance to the Music” team games!  Every team performed brilliantly and creatively in the various chalked out games and competitions.

The winning team “Crooks” followed by “Shining Stars” walked away with gifts from our sponsors, SAPIL & Al Sharq Al Aqsa Products such as Perfumes, Jam bottle, juices and assorted biscuits.  

The much awaited bingo conducted by Roy D’Souza, created more excitement to the test of luck to win fabulous prizes such as huge Spinney’s and Woolworth’s Hampers, electronic items and vouchers. Vote of thanks was rendered by Bhaskar G, General Secretary of the Association.  Whilst thanking the sponsors, it was befitting to thank a few SMKC members themselves who contributed cash and gifts for the picnic.   The FAMILY DATA lucky draw was conducted and 10 families went home with exciting gifts.  

Since its inception in October 2001, SMKC Dubai conducted such Picnics for the 10th time this year.   There were many in the crowd who lined up when asked to come forward as attendees of all the 10 Picnics in Dubai town conducted by the renowned and premier organizer of the UAE –SMKC Dubai.    

Tea and bhajies were a treat in the evening and what more could people ask to enjoy at the end.      DJ rendered the most pulsating and hip shaking music when young and old alike, danced away to the latest numbers. As the picnickers made their way home, tired but deeply content, the question most asked was “When is the next picnic?”

That’s how SMKC works – it endeavors to bring a smile on everyone’s face!