Kuwait: NKA-K Cricket Trophy 2015, an open Cricket Tournament for all cricket lovers in Kuwait, was organized by the North Kanara Association-Kuwait (NKA-K) from November 20 – 27, at the Agility premises here in Mina Abdullah.
Twenty one vibrant teams participated in the tournament with great enthusiasm and true sportsman spirit. The final match was the most spectacular one, with a thrilling commentary by Hassan Khazi and Riyaz. Team Goan Boys bagged the Winner’s Trophy while Team Abu Halifa X1 won the Runners Up Trophy. Afzal Sheikh was awarded the man of the match, Shailesh Kanchan was the man of the series and also the best batsman of the series while Indica Mangala was the best bowler of the series.
A food stall was put up at the premises which was an added attraction. Joseph Fernandes voluntarily took the lead to cook breakfast and lunch freely with the assistance of few members in the stall.
The highlight of the day was the award ceremony, which was graced by the Chief Guest Khalid Al Khalidi, Head of Computer & Telecomm Center in KISR, ICT Systems Consultant in Ministry of Planning, Manager Occupational & Environmental Safety, DDKS project, Rajiv Nair, Agility. Among the dignitaries were Amit Furtado, Lucas Pereira and others.
Edward Alphonso welcomed the audience with an opening speech followed by event organizer Marita Miranda who gave a detailed introduction of guests and spoke of the objectives of the association. She also mentioned that the proceeds of last year’s Cricket Tournament were used in providing financial support to “DAYANILAYA Special School For Intellectually Disabled” in Uttara Kannada District, India, while this year NKAK intends to provide support towards education of needy and deserving children.
NKA-K president John Fernandes extended a brief and cordial welcome to everyone present and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Agility Administration and others for their whole hearted support towards the association.
The Guest of Honour Khalid Al Khaldi addressed the audience with affection and humility, adding a sense of humour to his speech. He spoke highly of the president for his dedicated and selfless efforts, and extended his generosity and kindness by donating considerable amount for the charitable works and committed to support NKA-K in the future as well. Khaldi left a deep impression on the minds of the people with his act of kindness.
A touching vote of thanks was delivered by joint general secretary Grace Fernandes who, on behalf of the association, expressed sincere gratitude to Agility, all the dignitaries for their gracious presence, the president, the sports secretary Joseph Tellis, and all the other Board members for their cooperation and support, all those who assisted in conducting the matches, and all the rest who were present, and invoked special blessings upon all the participating teams without whom, this tournament wouldn’t have been possible. Board member Clifford Miranda also played a key role in organizing the tournament.
Grace extended gratitude to the valued Corporate Sponsors not forgetting to thank the Board Member who anonymously sponsored the Trophies and the Medals.
A special note of thanks and appreciation was extended to Amit Furtado, who has been a generous contributor towards NKA-K’s charitable works. As Grace invoked special blessings upon Amit and his family for their support, Amit rose from his seat, expressed deep appreciation of the objectives of the association and astonished the people present there by declaring to donate a big amount to support the mission of the association. NKA-K members were overwhelmed with his act of generosity and expressed deep gratitude to Amit.
The Winners, Runners-up and the outstanding players of various teams were awarded with trophies, cash prizes, gold and silver medals, and certificates. The president and few other board members felicitated some of the volunteers who had worked very hard behind the scenes during the tournament.
The event ended with a special note of gratitude by Marita and the winning teams capturing the memorable moments of their victory. Board member Gasper Rodrigues did an excellent job of capturing pictures of the event on both the days which was yet another act of generosity.
