Media Release
Doha, Oct 29: MCC’s annual Eid Picnic on Friday 26th October 2012 was a runaway success as more than 200 people joined to enjoy the break from the daily routine and join their friends in the open at the Ruwais Garden.
Children, families and others braved the higher than usual temperatures and joined the play and fun organized by Mangalore Cricket Club as one of their annual event. 3 bus-loads of members and others in own vehicles started the fun outright as the busses were flagged off from the General Post office parking. ‘100 Kilometers of absolute fun’ what one new member described the journey from Doha to the garden at Ruwais, Shamal, at the northern tip of Qatar.
The activities started with a prayer and welcome by President Sunil D Silva followed by jumbo breakfast of eat-to-fill iddli-Chatni with a special Mangalorean flavour prepared by Michael and Winnie Saldhana followed by tea and coffee. Then there was the marathon intro-session where everyone introduced himself / herself – which for some was a first-time experience of public speaking and recently joined new members to MCC family were given a warm welcome.
Various fun games for all age groups were then conducted by the Karate-King Cyril D Souza which tested the physical fitness of many when they were made to run, jump, hop, etc., while some gave in – by tumbling, falling, rolling, all to the enjoyment of the on-lookers, while the more enthusiasts played cricket, football, volleyball during the interludes.
No sooner it was noon, delicious chicken biryani was served. The fun continued thereafter interestingly conducted by Reena, Riana and Prabha, past and present cultural secretaries of the club.
MCC member Julian D”cunha entertained the gathering with his beautiful song composed on MCC Picnic followed by songs and dance session and Bingo game conducted by Reena. After the tea break& snacks, the much awaited Tug of War game was conducted for adults & children which was the most entertaining game of the day enjoyed thoroughly by all. Riana Pinto then conducted the Prize distribution to all the winners of the various games and Bingo and prizes were given by President Sunil D’Silva, Past President Richard D’Souza and Advisors Alfred Sequiera and Reena Casteliono. Cameramen galore preyed for shots all the day. Then all braved to the sea for a dip with children at the rise of sea water with the high tide coming, as the Qatari Shores are as calm as the pool water.
MCC is grateful to Jerry D’Mello for providing the busses, Harry Lasrado for arranging the venue and the lunch and the team of dedicated volunteers under the leadership of Melwin Pinto who ensured that all arrangements were perfectly in place.
In all, it was great fun. First time I enjoyed so much, exclaimed a 10th standard boy. I have heard a lot about MCC, but now I experienced it first hand, said a family who came to Doha recently. When is your next picnic uncle, asked a small boy, while packing the bags. The youngest participant was a 7 months old baby while the oldest was a 79 year old great-grandma. I made a lot of new friends, said one. I met an old friend of mine after decades, said the other. MCC is truly a family – agreed all.