by Cl Kharthangmaw Nathaniel for BIS Mumbai

On November 10, the Divyadaan community organized a football tournament for the Oratory Children. The tournament began at 11: 00 am at the Divyadaan ground. A short prayer service was conducted by Br Stephen Haruk and Br Shaun, after which Fr Ian Pinto, the Administrator of Divyadaan gave an opening speech to all of the teams. He also declared open the Divyadaan Football Tournament 2024.  In his speech, he said that the sport was not about winning or losing, but rather it was about playing with dignity and with real sportsmanship. 

Eight teams participated in the tournament. The boys who participated in the tournament were mostly from the slum areas. Good participation was seen from both sides. That is, from the side of the boys and the side of the Brothers. After every match, snacks and refreshments were given to the teams. The match went on till 4:30 pm followed by prize distributions. 

Fr Rixon Nigrel, the principal of Don Bosco Junior College, who was also the chief guest of the event, was given the honour of addressing the boys at the end of the tournament. In his address, he appreciated the Fathers and the Brothers for their hard work and dedication that they had for the boys and for making the day a successful one. He also urged the boys to continue to build the spirit of joy and happiness wherever they are. 

Team Sant Kabir was the winner of the tournament and Team Siddharth Nagar was the runner-up. Fr Anthuvan, Fr Joaquim, and Fr Rixon did the honour of handing over the prizes and medals to the winners. The organizing committee was grateful to all the staff and the brothers who had dedicated themselves to the event and also the boys who enthusiastically took part in it.