GOANS ORGANIZE X’MAS TREE

With the theme ‘Let’s be friends this Christmas’ The Goan Overseas Association, one of Kuwait’s oldest existing Goan Organization celebrated their annual Christmas Tree party on 10th December 2010 at the Asia Asia Restaurant (Kuwait City) from 11:30am onwards.

Julio Cardoso the host got the ball rolling for this traditional and prestigious annual year-end event for the Indian Community, by welcoming the 250 odd guests and announcing that Christmas is that time of the year when the whole world engages in the spirit of spirituality, friendship and love. DJ Mario set the mood for the afternoon by playing a set of Christmas Carols which was a cue for the guests to invade the dance floor.

Games for children were conducted in the 0-5, 6-9 and 10-12 age categories and a special X’Mas Carols Quiz was held for the teenagers. The adults had their own share of spot prizes to be won and a unique Best Friends Contest wherein guests had to partner their best friends and write down each other’s personal details, was won by best buddies, Steven Rodrigues and Blesson D’Souza.

Just before lunch, to the wonderment of the 60 odd children present in the hall, Santa Claus made his grand entry showering everyone with sweets and toys from his goody bag. He later on went on to distribute gifts to all the children and teenagers present in the hall. The hamper draw was conducted during the lunch break and Oscar J D’Sa was the lucky first prize winner. A Kuwait- Goa return airline ticket sponsored by Indian Airlines was won by Reji Rodrigues.

The highlight of the afternoon was of course the children’s Tableau visualizing the happenings leading to the birth of Jesus, beautifully enacted by members’ children which were well appreciated by all.

In his Thank You note, G.O.A President, Raymond D’Sa thanked the sponsors and donors including Indian Airlines, John Vaz, Charles D’Sa, Peter D’Souza, and Albert Pinto for their support. He also had a special word of thanks for the Goa-World team for their coverage of the event, as well as appreciation for the members, players and committee members for their dedication and support to carry out all the activities of the Association.

THE BEAUTY OF GALGIBAGA

FIRST ASIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
GOA BOYS CROWNED CHAMPIONS

Nine weeks of glorious action packed matches finally cumulated in Goa Boys entering the record books as the worthy champions in the inaugural AFL (Asian Football League) organized by the Expatriate Football Federation-Kuwait (EFFK) at the now popular Fire Brigade ground (Shuwaikh) when they edged out Sky net Raiders 2-1 in a thrilling final on 23rd April 2010, in a match which saw fortunes fluctuating until the final.

The matches of this prestigious tournament were played on a league cum knock out basis and included teams from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India and both the finalists secured their spots in the final after overcoming though opponents in the semi finals. Since all the matches were played in the evenings on Fridays, the spectators also came out in large numbers to support their Country teams and some of the largest crowds were witnessed during the Nepal, Thailand and Bangladesh encounters.

The entire tournament was very well officiated by the only profession expatriate football referees body in Kuwait ‘IFRA’ and as the centre official Richard blew the whistle to start the match ably supported by Julio, Franics and Vincy his assistants, it was clear that nobody would be able to predict the winner. The game started on a frantic pace and Goa Boys took early control when Anthony’s 12th minute strike from a good distance outside the penalty area found the net, with the ball dipping past the outstretched hands of Sky net keeper Cassiano who was a little off his line, arousing delirious celebrations by their supporters. However, their joy was short lived as Sky net Raiders started exerting pressure to find the equalizer, and Remedio made no mistake when he scored off a direct free kick beating the Goa Boys keeper, veteran Henry from just outside the box to bring Sky net Raiders on level terms. The first half ended 1-1.

In the second half, the IFRA officials did well to keep the game under control and in the 25th minute Goa Boys sealed the fate of Sky net Raiders when hard working Braulio connected well to score from a thunderous kick that left the Sky net keeper flabbergasted and ensuring his team inscribed their name first on the glittering trophy.

The presentation ceremony was ably handled by Julio Cardoso and trophies and medals were presented to the winners by chief organizers, Milton Lord, Manual DÇosta and special invitee Suheb Ismail Dawre. Thailand were awarded the best disciplined team and the highest scorer of the tournament was won by Cruz of Churchill India who went down fighting in the semi-finals. The best goalkeeper in the final was given to Cassiano of Sky net Raiders and the Man of the Final was deservedly won by Michael of Goa Boys. Game Breakers who lost a close semi-final match were awarded the third place medals.

Milton Lord and Manual DÇosta on behalf of the organizers wish to express their gratitude to the sponsors Agility Logistics, CD Soccer Inc, Suheb Ismail Dawre, IFRA, all participating teams and the large number of spectators who attend the matches and made this first ever Asian Expatriate League a grand success.