THE GOAN | NETWORK
PANAJI
The John Paul II Foundation for Sports-Goa in collaboration with Our Lady of Remedios Church, Nerul celebrated 450 years of the Christian faith by organizing the Compassion Sports Festival recently. The sports event saw 210
children from Fr Agnel Orphanage, Pilar; Margaret
Bosco Bal Sadan, Uccassaim; Konseisanv Bagram, Verna and El-Shaddai Assagao take part.
The children were mixed up and divided equally into eight groups for the fiesta which held its 5th edition this year. The children participated in fun games, experiential activities and competitive football 9-a-side for the above 12 and 7-a-side for the below 12 category.
In the earlier editions, the children would play only competitive football matches against other orphanage kids. However based on the suggestions received, it was decided this year to mix up children
of different orphanages with the hope of fostering
friendship, unity and
fellowship with faith formation in mind.
The children were led by Fr Andrew from Pilar, Sr Jennifer from Verna, Fr Joe from Uccassaim and a team of brothers from El-Shaddai.
30 volunteers of the
foundation conducted the activities on and off the field at the Duler Stadium,
Mapusa, with video presentations, song sessions, memorizing scripture verses, etc apart from the sports activities of football.
The concept of all being winners brought joy and smiles on the face of every child and although there was competition there was learning on value for daily living that the children experienced. Sports being called as a ‘School of Life’ was truly exemplified in the festival in the words of some participating officials from the orphanages.
Fr Fredrick Rodrigues,
Principal of Fr Agnel
College, Pilar was the guest for the occasion and
prayed for the well-being of every child while Fr Bolmax Pereira, parish priest of
Our Lady of Remedios Church, Nerul was the guiding factor for the sports festival.
