Media Release
Kuwait, Oct 18: After the success of it’s maiden Throwball Tournament in December 2008, the Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait (AAK) was all set to host yet another fun-filled and exciting outdoor event on 16th October 2009- The Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait Women’s Throwball Tournament 2009.
The AAK has a dual motto of supporting education of students of their Alma-Mater (St. Agnes College, Mangalore, India) and encouraging members to participate in its activities. Through this event AAK aimed to create a sportsmanship environment for girls and women of Indian community in Kuwait irrespective of their age, caste, creed, religion, culture & also provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talent through this sport.
It was an early start on a bright Friday morning of 16th October 2009, when 10 teams comprising women from different walks of life assembled at the Indian Community School grounds, Salmiya, Kuwait to take part in the Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait Women’s Throwball tournament 2009.
The inaugural programme commenced at 08:30am, with Annet Castelino (Secretary), the compere of the morning, introducing the Chief Guest- Lawrence Pinto, a well known personality both in the field of sports as well as cultural activities. Apart from being instrumental in bringing the Kuwait Indian Federation of Football in Kuwait into existence, Pinto engages himself in recognizing and promoting young talent. The other guests of honour at the Inaugural ceremony were Sr. Maria Lytta- Principal Carmel School Kuwait, Francis Alphonso (Sponsor) and Lalith Peris (Sponsor representing Srilankan Airlines). As a gesture of love and appreciation flower bouquets were handed over to guests by Tania Fernandes, Sinatra Dias and Janet D’Souza.
In the tradition of their Alma Mater, Stella Fernandes (Liturgical Secertary) led the audience into prayer, thus invoking blessing from the Almighty over the event. The St. Agnes College anthem “God is our Strength” was then sung. Diana D’Souza (Vice- President) rendered the welcome note. Thereafter, Pinto was requested to receive the salute as the ten energetic participating teams marched to the beat of drums provided by the young and dynamic Andrew D’Souza. While Reema D’Souza- Lasrado (President) escorted Pinto towards the solidarity torch, team captains gathered around the Solidarity Torch with their right hands stretched as a mark of their participation in this tournament, with true sportman’s spirit and in solidarity with fellow teams. The Solidarity Torch was lit by Pinto thus declaring the Tournament “OPEN”.
The sponsors of the event were Lawrence Pinto (Sponsoring the 1st place), John Fernandes (Power Control) (Sponsoring the 2nd Place), Felix D’Souza (Al-Rathath) and Helen Pinto (Sponsoring the 3rd place). The other sponsors were Rocky & Jovita D’Souza, Lalith Peris (Srilankan), Walter Crasta, Francis Alphonso, Sarina Lewis (Sarina’s Salon), Jossie Pinto (M&M Confectionery), Anand D’Souza (Illuminations), Ivan Mendes (Kuwait Konkans), Diany Cutinho, DNATA Holidays , Gaurav Oberoi (KITCO), Prasad, M/S. ABC and M/S. Petra,
The referees of the Tournament were: Deepali Soonawala, Binu Mathew, Ivan D’Souza. The Lines persons were- Crystal Pais, Rita Rodrigues, Blasius Crasta and Edward D’Souza. Cheer girls Tania Fernandes, Sinatra Dias & Janet D’Souza kept the audience entertained with their lively performance. Anand D’Souza (Illuminations) provided the sound as well as extra lighting as the event moved into late evening hours.
The coincidental presence of the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Ajay Malhotra, was an honour to the AAK. He was present to attend another programme at the same venue and the colourful ambiance and excitement of the AAK Tournament caught his attention. He was welcomed and updated on the mission as well as activities of the AAK.
The scoreboard desk was manned by a vibrant group of volunteers- Felcita D’Souza, Crystal D’Souza, Ivy Sequeira, Savita Pinto, Delma Cutinho, Nikita D’Souza and Glen D’Souza.
The exciting tournament boiled down to nail biting semi-finals between Kuwait Konkans vs Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait and Al-Rathath vs Starz. The grand final match of the AAK (Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait) Throwball Tournament 2009 was won by Kuwait Konkans beating Starz. The Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait were awarded the 3rd place.
Following are the results of the AAK Women’s Throw Ball Tournament 2009:
Winners- Kuwait Konkans
Runner Up - Starz
III Place - Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait
Best Spirited Team - Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait (AAK)
Best Smasher - Seema Miranda (Kuwait Konkans)
Best Spinner - Jayasheela D’Souza (Starz)
Golden Service - Stella Fernandes (AAK)
Player of the Tournament - Shashi Amin (Starz)
Various sponsors distributed the prizes & individual awards. President of AAK Reema D’Souza-Lasrado proposed the vote of thanks. In the speech she thanked all the sponsors for their kind benevolence followed by participating teams, the enthusiastic supporters, referees, lines persons, all volunteers at the event and not forgetting the Management of Indian Community School. Mr. Mahesh Prabhu who excellently compered the thrilling Semi-finals and finals along with the prize distribution ceremony, was also thanked. The kind assistance in advertising and coverage of the event provided by Daijiworld was much appreciated and thanked for. Due thanks also went out to Ivan Mendes, Rocky D’Souza, Jaison Lasrado, Vincent Mendonca, Joseph D’Souza, Leslie D’Souza of Arab times, Archie Menezes, Tony Mascarenhas (In-house photographer), Adrian Pais (Vista Advertising Co.) and Manoj Kumar for their kind assistance provided while organizing the successful event.
The well organized and exciting event under the able leadership of Reema D’Souza-Lasrado supported by Leena Fernandes (Sports secretary) and Diany Cutinho (Ex-President) concluded at 7:00 pm.