Kuwait Konkans were crowned champions of the first Providence Cup Women’s Indoor Throwball Tournament held on 7th April 2017 at American International School (A.I.S), Maidan Hawally and organized by Sarvodaya Friends Club (SFC), in association with Providence Group - Kuwait.

Providence Cup-2017 is the first event organized by the Sarvodaya Friends Club under the leadership of Austine Abreo and Harry Albukar after the club’s establishment in March 2017.

The tournament eligible for Indian nationals was organized for a cause – to raise funds for charity. A total of 5 select Throwball teams participated in the day-long tournament. Participating teams included Kuwait Konkans, Starz, Warriors, Jesraj and Felix’s Al Rathath.

The tournament commenced at 8:00 am with a welcome note by Austine Abreo and a prayer by Mr. Roni D’ Cunha in presence of distinguished guests, participating teams, referees, representatives/members from various associations, committee members, etc.

In his welcome note Mr. Austine appealed to all participating teams to maintain discipline and decorum. Gathered guests conveyed their best wishes to the participating teams and organizers. Spectators and supporters of participating teams applauded the well-organized opening ceremony.

The day was filled with challenges and fun for all.

The tournament was played on a round-robin league cum knockout.

Kuwait Konkans and Starz made it to the finals. Both teams were equally strong throughout.

Kuwait Konkans reached the final defeating all the teams in the league, they were undefeated in the tournament winning 6 games in a row including the semifinal and final.

Kuwait Konkans, despite losing the first set 8-15 and losing their star player Enica D’Souza in the 3rd set due to injuries, defeated Starz 8-15, 14-10, 15-13 to emerge champions of “Providence Cup-2017”.

During the prize distribution presentation ceremony, Chief Guest Fr. Franco Pereira, in his speech appreciated Sarvodaya Friends Club for organizing the event for a cause and promoting a women’s sport for Indian community in Kuwait. He congratulated the winners and wished all the teams best in their future endeavors.

Earlier, the attending dignitaries were introduced to the finalists by Mr. Austine Abreo.

Apart from chief guest Fr. Franco, other guests present on the occasion included Mr. Wilson D’Souza (Hon.President, Tulu Koota), Mr. Austine Abreo (President Providence Group and V. President Kuwait Indian Football Federation, Mr. Marshall Fernandes (Exe. Member Providence Group), Mr. Harry Albukar (Founder member of Sarvodaya Friends Club), Mr. Rony D’Cunnha and Mrs Monica Carnelio.

Entire event was compered by Gasper Crasto; Dwayne Pereira provided excellent sound and backing music.

Following prizes were awarded:

Winners – Kuwait Konkans presented by Fr. Franco Pereira

1st Runners up - Team Starz – trophy presented by Mr. Wilson D’Souza

2nd Runners up - Warriors - presented by Mr. Harry Albukar.

Best Striker - Enica D’souza (Kuwait Konkans) – presented by Mr. Roni D’Cunnha

Best Receiver - Lakeisha Meghee (Starz) – presented by Mrs. Monica Carnelio.

Runners-up Individual trophies were presented by Mr. Marshall Fernandes while the Winners individual Trophies by Fr. Franco Periera and Austine Abreo.

The entire tournament was beautifully officiated by Mr. Suresh (P.E Teacher - Carmel School) and Mr. Ivan D’Souza (P.E Teacher - Don Bosco School). The two officials were presented mementoes by Mr. Austine Abreo.

The tournament concluded with a photography session of the winners and the committee members.

Mr. Austine Abreo render the vote of thanks.

The tournament was supported by Ms. Paulita Lundung (Kapico Travels & Tours), Mr. Marshal Fernandes, Team Kuwait Konkans, Mr. Mohammad Shah(Kapico Travels & Tours) and Mr. Muzaffer Parker (Kapico Travels & Tours).

“SFC” thanked all well-wishers, supporters, volunteers, members, participating teams, coaches, team managers for the successful Providence Cup 2017.

In a statement to the press, “SFC” also thanked Master Dwayne Pereira for sound / music, Mr. Rocky D’Souza for providing photographers, Mr. Prashanth Periera, Mr. Melwyn and Mrs. Veera D’Souza for scorer, Mr. Victor Albukar, Mr. Allen, Mr. Dolphy, Mrs. Monica Carnelio, Mrs. Flavia, Mrs. Freeda Mendis, Mr. Wilson D’Souza, Mst. Henston Albukar, Mst.Alister D’Souza and others.

Special thanks were also conveyed to American International School for providing venue for the tournament.

Kuwait Konkans :- Freeda Mendes (Capt), Pauline Mendis, Jyothi Mathais, Anitha Fernandes, Flavia Benis, Monica Carnelio, Enica D’Souza, Irin Albukar, Jasmine D’Cunnha, Ida Machado (Team Manger – Roni D’Cunnha), Ivan Mendis (President)

Starz : - Lakeisha Meghee, Laveena Lasrado, Leena Fernandes, Renita Barboza, Carol Jacob, Seena Thomas, Gueenie Fernandes, Lency John,Wilma D’Souza, Shannon Pinto (Team Manger – Wilson D’Souza)