Pics by: Joyston Menezes 

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Oct 7: Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Udupi diocese organised Youlympics 2019, a diocese-level sports meet at Milagres College Ground, Kallianpur on Sunday, October 6. 

The sports meet was inaugurated by Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. "Sports play an important part in one’s life. Along with education, one must focus on sports also. Sports meet brings unity among the athletes. When a sportsperson strives hard on the field, he or she can achieve goals and success will keep following. Winning and losing is a part of a game. Active participation is important,” bishop said in his inaugural address. 

Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj, who spoke on the occasion, advised participants to show true sports spirit. “If people start giving equal importance to sports, similar to education, then students would be mentally as well as physically stronger and will be able to solve any problems they encounter in life,” he said. 

International power lifter Jackson D’Souza lit the sports torch. Track and field events were held in the sports meet. Team games like volleyball, throw ball, tug of war, kabbadi were organised for men as well as women in different categories. Dr Vincent Alva, principal Milagres College, Fr Edwin D’Souza, director ICYM Udupi diocese were present on the occasion. Deon D’Souza, president ICYM Udupi diocese welcomed the gathering. Ashish Menezes rendered vote of thanks and Melisha D’Souza hosted the programme. 

The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Fr Vincent Crasta, secretary, Catholic Education Society of Udupi. Fr Vincent Crasta conveyed his regards to the youth and encouraged them. Fr Edwin D’Souza, ICYM director, addressed the gathering and congratulated the youth for their active participation. 

The prize distribution ceremony was held later. Kundapur deanery bagged the prize in march-past. The overall championship was bagged by Kallianpur deanery. Kundapur deanery bagged the runners-up and Udupi deanery bagged the second runners-up. In the men’s category, Padukone parish of Kundapur deanery bagged the first and second prize in badminton and in women’s category, Udupi deanery and Karkala deanery bagged the first and second prizes respectively. In volleyball, Pangala parish of Shirva deanery bagged the first prize and Basrur parish of Kundapur deanery bagged the runners-up prize. In Kabaddi, Kemmanu parish of Kallianpur deanery won first place. Byndoor parish of Kundapur deanery won second place. In throw ball, women’s category, Kuntalnagar and Gangolli won first and second place respectively. In tug of war, Kanajar parish won first place, Pangala parish bagged second place. 

ICYM diocese president Dion D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Secretary Fiona D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Year of youth coordinator Derick Mascarenhas announced the champions of the sports meet and Royston Quadros compered the programme.