PANAJI
The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), the government-aided body formed to promote the State sport, celebrated its 11th anniversary on Saturday.
"I congratulate GFDC on achieving a huge milestone in completing 11 years and promise my support in every possible way for the development of football in Goa," GFDC chairman Brahmanand Shankhwalkar commented on the occasion. He also stressed the need to take forward former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s vision and ensure that GFDC’s objective is achieved. He thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Govind Gaude for their support.
One can recall that in his Budget speech 11 years ago, Parrikar had declared football as the state sport, and had announced the formation of GFDC. As part of the celebrations, prayers were held at the GFDC office that included a puja and blessing of the office. Among those present at the anniversary celebrations included Council Members, Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho, Avertano Furtado, Dr Caitano Fernandes, Shantaram Naik, Sanjeev Nagvekar, Pradeep Chodankar, Colin Vaz, Valente Fernandes, Jovito Lopes and Lector Mascarenhas. The function was followed by the council committee meeting.
In his address, Shankhwalkar said, "As part of the 11th-anniversary celebrations, I am grateful to all the members. We have worked like a football team. We have achieved a lot of goals. I leave it to the government to decide the future of GFDC. I had a fruitful tenure so far. I am sure there are better days for GFDC in the years ahead."
In her address, GFDC Member Secretary Dr Geeta Nagvenkar said, "It was a pleasure to celebrate the anniversary of GFDC's inception. The sports minister couldn’t make it, but he has conveyed his best wishes. We have 35 football development centres in rural and urban areas, which are doing well with the efforts of the dedicated GDFC staff.
"2,000 boys and 700 girl trainees are enrolled in these centres across the state. Together, we aim to take the legacy of Goan football to greater heights,” she said. “Congratulations to GFDC for its commendable efforts in bringing the sport to the entire state of Goa. Budding footballers are immensely gaining and learning the sport,“ she added.
An exhibition match between GFDC staff and council members was held in the evening. GFDC has 35 active football coaching centres in Goa, with 83 coaches. There are 2774 trainees between the ages of 6 to 14 years enrolled across the centres.
