Riyadh: KWAR organizes annual sports and cultural event

Riyadh, Apr 18: The Karavali Welfare Association Riyadh (KWAR) organised its annual sports and cultural event recently here.

Although, it was a low key affair, the members and KWAR’s well-wishers turned out in big numbers. The function was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the president Royston Prabhu, ex-president, an ardent supporter of KWAR Ramesh Shetty, general secretary Muzaffar Ali, treasurer Rajesh Kumar, joint secretary and BARSA president Mahesh Hegde and other office bearers.

Chief guest of the day was Dr Ashwin Shetty and guest of honor was Kingsley Fernandes, manager, Air India Riyadh. The function began with team sports events like men’s volleyball in which six teams participated and was won by Karnataka friends and the deserving Runners up were Udupi friends

In Women’s throw ball, which was the climax ofthe Sports Day,three teams participated in round robin, in which ‘Udi Udi’ team of Konkan Ghar lead by Anita Eric D'sa and BARSA of Bunts Association Riyadh lead by Dr Vanishree Santhosh Shetty reached the finals.

The final was a real treat to watch, which was a well fought game with tempers high on both sides, BARSA beat UDI UDI to claim the KWAR womens throw ball championship for the second year in succession. Udi Udi of Konkan Ghar was the runner up.

Many more games were arranged for Men and women as well as for children. For men, the main attraction was The Coconut Breaking Game and Tug of War. Tug of war was the main attraction for KWAR members, year after year they thoroughly enjoyed this sport. Both the teams fought hard but the winners were strong Jolly Boys and Udi Udi of Konkan Ghar team took the 2nd prize.

Many games for children and ladies were conducted by Amitha Prabhu and Shaila Salian, supported by other lady members. Newspaper race for ladies was fun to watch. Children and women took part in several games with great enthusiasm. It was a memorable sports day and all the members were very sportive throughout the sunny day. Young Health Engineers were assigned to monitor and keep the ground area clean.

The cultural event started in the evening at 5:30 pm.A good number of guests were welcomed by KWAR’s treasurer Rajesh Kumar. KWAR’s secretary Muzzaffar Ali briefed about KWAR’s activities for the year 2013/2014. Chief guest of the day, Dr Ashwin Shetty addressed the gathering with a few encouraging words, stressed the need for Unity. KWAR’s Cultural secretaries,

Suresh Raj and Prakash Shetty was instrumental in presenting the audience with a variety of cultural programmes by Karavali Childrens Dance . The highlight of the cultural events was the wonderful presentation by the Murdeshwar Group showcasing their traditional wedding ceremony, singing and mimicry by Sunil poojary from Udupi, Nazeer , Baskar and a 45 minute nonstop magical Show by Cyres was a super hit.

Mementos, medals and certificates for cooking competition, volleyball, throw ball, tug of War, breaking the coconut was given away to the winners by the president. All the participating members and children were awarded medals.

KWAR takes this opportunity to thank all our donors, well-wishers and all the members who over-whelmingly supported us to make this Sports and Cultural event a Grand Success. Special thanks to our main Sponsors - CityMax, Air India, Jet Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Shyam Hollow Block, OTS Cargo Movers, Lamah Est., Centre Point GroupsShoe Mart & Shoe Express and huge contributions from individual KWAR members. KWAR also thanks Yathiraj, Stanly Cardoza and group for the breakfast and lunch arrangements. KWAR would also like to thank all other Donors and individuals who were directly or indirectly part of our event and made it a very special day.

The programme was well compered by KWAR’s cultural secretary, anactive member Prakash Shetty who enthralled the crowd with his command of Karavali Culture.

KWAR strives hard for the unity and strength as well as the welfare of the people from Karavali region which will not be possible without the support of all members and their families. KWAR thanks all the executive members of KWAR committee for working overtimefor the success of KWAR’s mega event. The programme ended at about 9pm with the recitation of National Anthem.