Mangalore Diocese News

By Ronald Amin

Kasaragod, Nov 10 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Kasaragod Deanery, in collaboration with the ICYM Narampady unit, organised the “VARADO CUP-2024” on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, at St. John De Britto Church, Narampady. The event featured a Lagori match for women and a Football match for men. The competition ran from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

The inaugural ceremony of the VARADO CUP-2024 began with a prayer song led by the ICYM Narampady unit members, invoking God’s blessings. The program was hosted by Miss Venisha Jenifer D’Souza, who welcomed the gathering. The distinguished guests on the dais included Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza; Rev. Fr. Anil Francis Pinto, Parish Priest of Narampady Church; Rev. Fr. Naveen Pinto, Administrator St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu; Sr. Prescilla D’Souza, Superior of Avila Convent; Wilfred Monteiro, Vice President of Narampady Parish; Mr. Vijay Crasta, 21 Commissions’ Coordinator of Narampady Parish; Mr. Melwyn D’Souza, President of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate; Miss Neema D’Silva, Secretary of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate; Mr. Melwin Crasta, Sports Secretary of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate; Mr. John Mervin, Animator of ICYM Narampady unit; and Miss Prewel Sandra D’Souza, President of ICYM Narampady Unit.

The event was officially inaugurated by Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, who opened the ribbon to mark the beginning of the competition. In his message to the youth, the Bishop emphasised the importance of sports in building character and unity. He encouraged the participants to approach the games with sincerity, reminding them that both winning and losing are part of the experience, and that the true spirit of sports lies in playing with integrity and enthusiasm.

As a gesture of appreciation for his presence, Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza was honoured on behalf of the ICYM Narampady unit. The inaugural program officially came to a close.

The most awaited moment of the event arrived with the start of the Lagori and Football matches. The matches were organised as knockout rounds, with 13 men’s football teams and 15 Lagori teams participating. The games kicked off, and the players showcased their skills with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

During the matches, Fr. Vishal Monis, Director of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery, along with Mr. Winston Sequeira, ICYM Mangalore Diocese President, and other representative members of the ICYM Mangalore Diocese, were present to support the players. Their presence added a special moment to the matches, encouraging the participants and highlighting the significance of youth involvement in sports.

As the matches concluded and the winners were finalised, the closing ceremony began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings. The ceremony was led by Miss Pramila Jyothi, and Fr. Vishal Monis, Director of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery, delivered a message. He highlighted the success of the event, addressed the challenges faced, and offered insights on how to improve future sports events. Fr. Vishal also congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to the management team for making the event a success.

Tokens of gratitude were presented to all the guests, referees, sponsors, and well-wishers who contributed to the success of the event. A special token was also presented to the ICYM Narampady unit on behalf of the ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate, in recognition of their initiative in organising this great event, as a sign of gratitude.

It was time to announce the winners of the VARADO CUP 2024. The event coordinator Mr George Stephen Crasta shared the results:

Lagori Winners:
• Winner: Manjeshwar A
• Runners-up: Manjeshwar B

Football Winners:
• Winners: Kasaragod
• Runners-up: Kollangana

Individual Awards:
• Best Defender: Roy (Kollangana)
• Player of the Tournament: Martin (Kasaragod)
• Best Goalkeeper: Jostin (Kasaragod)
• Best Striker: Shaun (Kollangana)

The winners were presented with cash prizes and trophies. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Miss Prewal, expressing gratitude to all the participants, guests, and organisers. With that, the event came to a close, marking the successful conclusion of the VARADO CUP 2024.