Kuwait Konkans Crowned Champions in ‘Providence Cup 2017’ Throw Ball Tournament
Kuwait Konkans were crowned champions of the first Providence Cup Women’s Indoor Throwball Tournament held on 7th April 2017 at American International School (A.I.S), Maidan Hawally and organized by Sarvodaya Friends Club (SFC), in association with Providence Group – Kuwait.
Providence Cup-2017 is the first event organized by the Sarvodaya Friends Club under the leadership of Austine Abreo and Harry Albukar after the club’s establishment in March 2017.
The tournament eligible for Indian nationals was organized for a cause – to raise funds for charity. A total of 5 select Throwball teams participated in the day-long tournament. Participating teams included Kuwait Konkans, Starz, Warriors, Jesraj and Felix’s Al Rathath.
The tournament commenced at 8:00 am with a welcome note by Austine Abreo and a prayer by Rony D’Cunha in presence of distinguished guests, participating teams, referees, representatives/members from various associations, committee members, etc.
In his welcome note, Austine appealed to all participating teams to maintain discipline and decorum. Gathered guests conveyed their best wishes to the participating teams and organizers. Spectators and supporters of participating teams applauded the well-organized opening ceremony.
The day was filled with challenges and fun for all.
The tournament was played on a round-robin league cum knockout.
Kuwait Konkans and Starz made it to the finals. Both teams were equally strong throughout.
Kuwait Konkans reached the final defeating all the teams in the league, they were undefeated in the tournament winning 6 games in a row including the semifinal and final.
Kuwait Konkans, despite losing the first set 8-15 and losing their star player Enica D’Souza in the 3rd set due to injuries, defeated Starz 8-15, 14-10, 15-13 to emerge champions of “Providence Cup-2017”.
During the prize distribution presentation ceremony, Chief Guest Fr Franco Pereira, in his speech appreciated Sarvodaya Friends Club for organizing the event for a cause and promoting a women’s sport for the Indian community in Kuwait. He congratulated the winners and wished all the teams best in their future endeavors.
Earlier, the attending dignitaries were introduced to the finalists by Austine Abreo.
Apart from chief guest Fr Franco, other guests present on the occasion included Wilson D’Souza (Hon.President, Tulu Koota), Austine Abreo (President Providence Group and V President Kuwait Indian Football Federation, Marshall Fernandes (Exe. Member Providence Group), Harry Albukar (Founder member of Sarvodaya Friends Club), Rony D’Cunha and Monica Carnelio.
The entire event was compered by Gasper Crasto; Dwayne Pereira provided excellent sound and backing music.
Following prizes were awarded:
Winners – Kuwait Konkans presented by Fr. Franco Pereira
1st Runners up – Team Starz – trophy presented by Wilson D’Souza
2nd Runners up – Warriors – presented by Harry Albukar.
Best Striker – Enica D’Souza (Kuwait Konkans) – presented by Rony D’Cunnha
Best Receiver – Lakeisha Meghee (Starz) – presented by Monica Carnelio.
Runners-up Individual trophies were presented by Marshall Fernandes while the Winners individual Trophies by Fr Franco Periera and Austine Abreo.
The entire tournament was beautifully officiated by Suresh (P.E Teacher – Carmel School) and Ivan D’Souza (P.E Teacher – Don Bosco School). The two officials were presented mementoes by Austine Abreo.
The tournament concluded with a photography session of the winners and the committee members.
Austine Abreo delivered the vote of thanks.
The tournament was supported by Ms Paulita Lundung, Marshal Fernandes, Team Kuwait Konkans, Mohammad Shah and Muzaffer Parker.
“SFC” thanks, all well-wishers, supporters, volunteers, members, participating teams, coaches, team managers for the successful Providence Cup 2017.
In a statement to the press, “SFC” also thanked Master Dwayne Pereira for sound / music, Rocky D’Souza for providing photographers, Prashanth Periera, Melwyn and Veera D’Souza for scorer, Victor Albukar, Allen, Dolphy, Monica Carnelio, Flavia, Freeda Mendis, Wilson D’Souza, Henston Albukar, Alister D’Souza and others.
Special thanks were also conveyed to American International School for providing the venue for the tournament.
Kuwait Konkans :- Freeda Mendes (Capt), Pauline Mendis, Jyothi Mathais, Anitha Fernandes, Flavia Benis, Monica Carnelio, Enica D’Souza, Irin Albukar, Jasmine D’Cunnha, Ida Machado (Team Manger – Rony D’Cunnha), Ivan Mendis (President)
Starz : – Lakeisha Meghee, Laveena Lasrado, Leena Fernandes, Renita Barboza, Carol Jacob, Seena Thomas, Gueenie Fernandes, Lency John, Wilma D’Souza, Shannon Pinto (Team Manger – Wilson D’Souza)
by Austine Abreo
Kuwait has always been on the forefront of all the athletic, theatrical, cultural as well as philanthropic activities amongst all the Persian Gulf countries where Indians have landed nearly hundred years ago and established themselves so well in all kinds of involvements. Indians in Kuwait have always earned the name and fame for their hard and honest work. Indians have always strived their best in all the duties and responsibilities that were entrusted to them, and therefore the Government of Kuwait has always been kind to the Indians who have lived in the Sheikhdom for many generations.
We still remember when Bishop Stella of Kuwait amongst few other Christians amongst whom many were Indians who went to Vatican and brought the Statue of our Lady of Arabia several decades ago. Indians in Kuwait have created a landmark of progress and prosperity because of their honesty and integrity.
We are happy to note that you had a nice Throw Ball championship, and that must have been one of the many performances that have taken place in Kuwait year after year. Our best wishes to one and all of you, and whenever we get a chance to visit Kuwait we shall always be delighted to do so. We visited Unity Club nearly 58 years ago with a Cricket Team from the Karnataka Cricket Club in Bahrain, and we cherish the grateful memories of all the Royal treatment that was extended to us at Ahmadi in Kuwait.
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter, and God bless.