The bright & beautiful day of Friday the 16th Nov, was a great day of joy, love and recreation for the people of Karwar Diocese. North Kanara Association- Kuwait had successfully organized the “NKA-K Family Sports day 2012” at Mina Abdullah, Agility Ground, Kuwait, where approximately 175 association members and others had gathered to participate in the event. On behalf of the President, Mr. Joseph L. D’souza who was out of Kuwait, Mr. Edward Alphonso welcomed the crowd and addressed a few words, followed by a short prayer by Sonia D’souza. Thereafter, breakfast was provided which was relished by all.

The main event of the day which was the Cricket Tournament, kicked off immediately after breakfast, with 8 participating teams. The Competitive & enthusiastic Spirit of the players of each team and their performance and the cheering of the excited crowd was a spectacular scene. Cold drinks, juice and water was provided during the matches. Simultaneously, the children’s games for various age groups were held namely the basketball game, water drinking race, passing the rope, and paper crush game. Kids had lot of fun and it was amazing to watch them competing with one another. At noon, the Ladies’ Throwball tournament and the men’s Volleyball tournament were conducted. Players were very delighted for having got the opportunity to be competing in this event, which was obvious from their keen participation.

Delicious lunch was served in the afternoon which was enjoyed by one and all. It was indeed an atmosphere of “home away from home” and the interaction with one another created a family togetherness among those present.

Saint Daniel Comboni Parish as Assistant Parish Priest.

In the afternoon, NKA-K had the privilege to welcome Rev. Fr. Anthony Lopez, Chancellor and Eccl. Judge of Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia and Rev. Fr. Noel Almeida, Asst. Parish Priest of Saint Daniel Comboni Parish, Abbasiya, who, in spite of their busy schedules took time to come all the way to be amongst their folks. They were overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm and involvement of all the Association members and expressed their joy in noticing the zeal, love and unity among the people. The Cricket and Volleyball finals concluded around 5.pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits were served at tea time.

Next was the big awaited moment of prize distribution, for which Mrs. Marita Miranda, was the compere. Fr. Noel offered prayers & delivered a short speech. The winners of the cricket tournament “Honnavar Challengers” team whose Captain was Mr. Johnny Fernandes received the Golden Trophy, the Rolling Trophy, Cash Prize, Gold medals & certificates, and the runners-up JPS Fahaheel whose captain was Mr. Sandesh Mallya received the Silver Trophy, Silver Medals, Cash Prize and certificates that were presented by Fr. Noel. Mr.Johnson from Honnavar Challengers team received the best batsman award and Mr. Iqbal from JPS Fahaheel team received the best Bowler award.

The Winners of Throwball Tournament received Gold medals, cash prize & certificates, presented by Mr. Tony Fernandes and the runner’s up received Silver medals, cash prize & certificates presented by Johnny Fernandes. The Volleyball Winners “KGL team” received the Trophy and cash prize presented by Mr. Darryl Alphonso and the runners up Little Flower Brothers Team Captain received Trophy and cash prize presented by Mr. Edward Alphonso. The winners and runners-up of Children’s games received prizes from Mr. Bastanv Noronha and Mr. John Fernandes. Mrs. Marita congratulated the winners and appreciated and thanked all the rest who actively participated in this event with a sportive spirit.

Mr. Tony Fernandes – Asst. Sports Secretary delivered the vote of thanks, extending heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors of the event, who were mainly the Committee Members themselves. He thanked the President, Mr. Joseph L. D’souza, the Vice President Mr. John Fernandes and all the other Committee members for their commitment, dedication and efforts put in to organize the event, with the sole intention of bringing the NKA-K Family together. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who helped in making the day a success, with their sponsorship, monetary contributions, physical help and moral support, and not forgetting the people of Karwar Diocese who attended the event, without whom, the event would not have been possible.

Lastly an exciting game of Housie was conducted and the prizes were given away to the winners on the spot. The function ended with a thanksgiving prayer. People departed from the place, cheerfully bidding good-byes to one another, with the hope and assurance of meeting again in the near future. It was indeed a peaceful and memorable day, blessed with fine weather and NKAK once again proved that they live by their Motto “United to Serve”. div> iend cheated on me