The youth group of Mary Help of Christians Church, Naigaon(E) organized the Inter community Parish Football Tournament held at the Don Bosco School turf grounds on 12th November, 2023. St. Francis De Sales won the tournament. Eleven teams participated from the various zones of the parish.
The tournament commenced with an energetic opening ceremony at 11:00 am led by Fr. Joaquim Fernandes. In a symbolic gesture, he skilfully kicked the ball towards the goal, marking the official start of the day’s football tournament. Spectators representing different communities filled the stands and added to the excitement by cheering passionately for their favourite teams.
The day witnessed intense competition, culminating in a thrilling final that saw St. Francis De Sales Community emerge as the champions, defeating the commendable Good Shepherd Community team in a closely contested match.
Individual awards were presented to deserving players. At the prize distribution ceremony Fr. Dominic Martis, Parish priest of MHOC, Nagioan presented the awards and congratulated the team members. Valeron Pereira from Sacred Heart community was crowned the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Brandon Picardo from St. Francis De Sales took was awarded the Best Player of the tournament. The Best Female Player award was presented to Ms Bernadette Rodrigues and the best scorer award of the tournament was awarded to Aldric Picardo.
The inter-Parish Football Tournament not only highlighted the skill and talents of the participants but also emphasized the spirit of unity and community bonding fostered by the beautiful sports game of football.
The tournament was sponsored by Mr Melroy Moses, Laura Fernandes in loving memory of her late husband Mr Humphrey Fernandes, and Margaret’s Caterers.
By Ms. Cyneka D’sa for BIS Mumbai