Media Release
Moodbidri, Nov 17: A historical sports meet, in which, more than 2,000 Catholic athletes from all over Mangaluru diocese participated, was held at Swarajya Maidan on Sunday, November 17.
Spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh Fr Mathew Vas blesses the occasion. “May unity among communities cherish through sports,” he said on the occasion.
NRI entrepreneur Alfred Sequeira Paladka inaugurated the sports meet. Dean of Episcopal City Deanery Fr J B Crasta flew pigeons as a symbol of harmony.
Alfred Sequeira Paladka, Dean of Pezar Deanery Fr Marcel Saldanha, President of Karnataka State Christian Development Board Joylus D’Souza Taccode received honour from the athletes.
Athletes marched in colourful parade for the band music, which played the national song of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’. Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation Dr M Mohan Alva, Chairman of MCC Bank Anil Lobo Fermai, retired principal of St Philomena College Fr F X Gomes hoisted flags of sports meet.
Central president of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh Paul Rolphy D’Costa presided over the event.
Dean of Moodbidri Deanery Fr Paul Sequeira blessed sports torch and handed it over to international bodybuilder Anil Mendonca at Corpus Christi Church. The torch was brought to playground in procession. International Athlete Joylene Lobo handed over torch to Andrew D’Souza, convener of Kreedothsava 2019, who gave oath to athletes.
Addressing the gathering, MLA of Moodbidri constituency Umanath Kotian said, “Instead of defeating others, we have to win by defeating ourselves. Participating is important than winning.”
D K Zilla Panchayat member K P Sucharitha Shetty, ICYM diocesan director Fr Ronald Prakash D’Souza, Dean of Suratkal Deanery Fr Paul Pinto, Henry from Manasa Special School, Catholic Sabha Central Secretary Naveen Braggs, Moodbidri deanery Catholic Sabha president Victor Kadandale and secretary Wilson D’Souza were present.
Andrew D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Herald Tauro and team rendered the prayer.
Joslin D’Souza, Melwyn C D’Souza and Vincent Lobo compered the event. More than 2,000 athletes from 11 deaneries participated in the sports meet.