News

Feb 11 : ICYM Arva Unit, in collaboration with ICYM Belthangady Deanery, organized the Deanery Level Athletics Meet "TRACKNOVA – Track The Triumph" on February 2, 2025, at St. Peter Claver School Ground, Arva. The event aimed to promote sportsmanship and athletic excellence among the youth of the deanery.

Registration began at 10:00 AM, followed by a short inaugural ceremony which commenced with a prayer song. ICYM Arva Unit President - Anson Fernandes and Secretary - Ashwitha Rodrigues escorted the dignitaries to the dais. The esteemed guests included:
Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, Director, ICYM Belthangady Deanery; Supreeth Fernandes, President, ICYM Belthangady Deanery; Vinod Rodrigues, Sports Secretary, ICYM Belthangady Deanery; Mrs. Ashmitha D'Souza, Animator, ICYM Arva.

Anson Fernandes welcomed the gathering, followed by the formal inauguration with the lighting of the lamp. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the torch relay, led by Dafny Misquith, Shawn Veigas, Viola Pais, Prinson Pinto, and Ashwin Rodrigues, symbolizing the spirit of the competition. Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza then addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of sports in youth development. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Monal Rasquinha, Secretary of ICYM Belthangady Deanery. To mark the official commencement of the meet, the dignitaries were escorted to the victory stand, where balloons were released as a symbolic gesture of inauguration. The inaugural program was compered by Glencia Noronha.

Following the inaugural, the athletic events began at 11:00 AM, featuring various individual track and field competitions for both men and women. The events included: 100 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, shot put, discus throw, long jump, and high jump. Each event saw enthusiastic participation and energetic performances.

After lunch, the competition resumed with 200 meters, 1500 meters, and relay races. The winners were honored immediately after each event with medals and certificates, recognizing their achievements and dedication.

As the day's competitions drew to a close, the valedictory ceremony was held to honor the participants, achievers, and contributors. It began with a prayer. The dignitaries present on the dais included: Fr. Elias D'Souza, Parish Priest and President of the event; Winston Joel Sequeira, President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Dr. Joyston D'Souza, ICYM Belthangady Deanery Representative; Supreeth Fernandes, Vinod Rodrigues, Mrs. Ashmitha D'Souza; Anson Fernandes and Ashwin Rodrigues - Sports Secretary, ICYM Arva.

Supreeth Fernandes welcomed the gathering and introduced the dignitaries.  

All good works and achievements need to be recognized and encouraged. For the same reason, two gems of Belthangady Deanery were felicitated for their hard work. The felicitation included honoring Dafny Misquith for securing first place and winning the Best Player award in the International Throwball Tournament held in Pokhara, Nepal, representing at the National Throwball Tournament in Hyderabad, and participating in the All India Inter-University Ball Badminton Championship and Shawn Linton Veigas was honored for securing first place in the International Throwball Tournament in Pokhara, Nepal, by the dignitaries present on the dais.

Fr. Elias D'Souza then distributed mementos to all participating units as a token of appreciation.

The most awaited individual champions of the meet were then announced: Sohan Veigas of ICYM Belthangady Unit bagged Men's Individual Champion, and Nisha Sequeira of ICYM Madanthyar Unit bagged Women's Individual Champion.

Winston Joel Sequeira then addressed the gathering, commending the participants for their dedication and encouraging them to continue engaging in sports. He also announced upcoming events of the Diocese and invited all youth to participate.

The event's sponsors were felicitated by Fr. Elias, with Kevin Lobo, Treasurer of ICYM Arva, reading out the list of contributors. The event continued with the presidential address by Fr. Elias D'Souza, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Ashwin Rodrigues.

The highly anticipated announcement of the overall winners marked the climax of the event. ICYM Madanthyar Unit took top honors as the overall champions, while ICYM Belthangady Unit secured the runners-up position. Ashwitha Rodrigues compered the valedictory ceremony, bringing the event to a close.

A total of 200 youth participated, representing 8 different units. The event was conducted smoothly, fostering a spirit of true sportsmanship, unity, and enthusiasm among the youth. It served as a platform to showcase talent, encourage athletic excellence, and strengthen camaraderie within the deanery.