VASCO
Goan Sports Club (GSC) Leicester organised the 1st UK cricket tournament in the United Kingdom at Victoria Park ground, Leicester.
The tournament was organised by GSC for the Goan communities as an initiative by the Goans and for the Goans living in the UK. Keith Vaz, the former Member of Parliament in the UK and a Goan of Portuguese origin was the chief guest and sponsored the trophy in memory of his father late Anthony Vaz. Other guests of honour included Luis Fonseca of Leicester City Council and Swindon councillors Imtiyaz Shaikh and Adorabelle Shaikh.
Mix Friends Swindon beat Summer Cricketers Swindon to win the eight-team tournament, pocketing a cash prize of £1111 sponsored by Imran Shah, a Goan-origin businessman, along with the trophy sponsored by Keith Vas. The runners-up
Summer Cricketers were awarded a cash prize of £666 sponsored by Paul's Fish and Chips, a Goan family-run business, and Zibran Shaikh. Wembley Boys finished third and won a cash prize of £222 sponsored by Abdul Rauf Shaikh.
Travel Service Leicester, Paul Fish & Chips, Firefox Trading Ltd and Travel-o-Mile Escape were the co-sponsors of the tournament.
"The GSC aims to encourage people from all ages and communities to do the physical activity by engaging in sports and events. At their heart, the club seeks to instil confidence and competence to begin a positive, sustained interest in physical activity and sports. Along with giving a platform to creativity, the club also wants to develop people’s personal and social skills," a GSC member said.
