News

Nov 20 : ICYM Bajpe Unit organized JOSHIAD 2024, an Inter-Ward Sports Day, on Sunday, November 3rd, at the St. Joseph's High School grounds. The parish priest, Rev. Dr. Ronald Cutinha, Parish Pastoral Council Vice-President Mr. Stany D'Souza, Secretary Mrs. Gracy Sequeira, ICYM Bajpe Unit Animator Ms. Frenita Tauro, ICYM President Ms. Melria Saldanha, and Secretary Ms. Carol Lobo were present on the dais.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a march past, in which several wards participated as groups, led by a band consisting of ICYM members. Following it, the ICYM members led a prayer song to invoke God's blessings on the event. ICYM Bajpe Unit President, Ms. Melria Saldanha, welcomed the guests and the gathering. This was followed by an inauguration ceremony, during which balloons were released to symbolize the growing unity and strength among the ward members. The oath-taking ceremony was led by ICYM Bajpe Unit Vice President, Mr. Rohan Pinto, in which all the ward gurkars, ward members, and the sports secretary took an oath of fair play and sportsmanship.

Following this, Ruben D'Souza led a torch run, accompanied by torchbearers Ms. Anusha Pinto, Ms. Riyola Pinto, Ms. Preemal Serrao, and Mr. Avinash D'Souza, all of whom have achievements in various state and national-level sports events.

The chief guest, Rev. Dr. Ronald Cutinha, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that winning and losing are part of every game. He concluded by stating that participation is more important than winning. Ms. Carol Lobo delivered the vote of thanks, and Ms. Rashmita compered the stage program.

Athletic events such as shot put, long jump, and track events—100, 200, and 400 meters—were conducted for both males and females across various age groups. An inter-ward relay competition was held toward the end. Wards were awarded points for their performance in the march past, the relay competition, and for the individual prizes won by their members. Many parishioners won medals and prizes. Mr. Ruben D'Souza and Ms. Frenita Tauro provided commentary throughout the event and encouraged the participants.

The valedictory ceremony took place in the evening. The overall championship trophy was awarded to St. Lawrence II Ward. Nithyadhar Ward took second place, and Fathima II Ward secured third. The winners of the relay competition were also felicitated.

The march past winners were: St. John Paul II Ward in first place, Nithyadhar Ward in second place, and St. Therese Ward in third place.

The best athlete awards were presented to five parishioners: Alden Pinto from St. Lawrence II Ward, Rohan Pinto from Fathima II Ward, Jason D'Cunha from St. Peter Ward, Suneetha Rodrigues from St. Lawrence II Ward, and Sandhya Cutinha from St. Lawrence II Ward, for securing three or more gold medals during the day.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from parishioners of all ages, from children to senior citizens.