by CI Ankush Makwane for BIS Mumbai

On 28 December 2025, the Divyadaan community organized a Football Tournament for the City Oratory Children at the Divyadaan grounds. The tournament began at 9.30 a.m. with a short prayer service led by Br. Tritwar Katara. This was followed by a brief introduction on Don Bosco by Fr. Jacob Palaparambil, the Registrar of Divyadaan. The Rector, Fr. Ivo Coelho, who was also the Chief Guest, welcomed all the teams and officially declared the Divyadaan Oratory Football Tournament 2025 open.

Five teams participated in the tournament. The initial matches were played in a league format, giving every team the opportunity to compete with one another. The highest-scoring team proceeded directly to the finals, while the second and third ranked teams played a qualifier match to enter the finals. The boys, many of whom come from the slum areas of Nashik, participated with great enthusiasm. The brothers of Divyadaan animated and encouraged them throughout the day. Snacks and refreshments were provided between the matches. The tournament continued until 5.00 p.m., followed by the prize distribution ceremony.

Fr. Devraj Shekhar, Province In-Charge of the Oratories, graced the tournament as the Guest of Honour. In his address to the boys, he highlighted that the tournament was not merely about winning or losing, but about coming together, meeting one another, and building bonds of friendship. He encouraged them to continue spreading joy and happiness wherever they go.

Team Jagtapwadi emerged as the champions of the tournament, while Team Sidharth Nagar finished as runners-up. The Oratory boys expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and brothers for their dedicated efforts in organizing the event. The prizes and medals were distributed by Fr. Ivo, Fr. Anthuvan, Fr. Jayaseelan, Fr. Jacob, and Fr. Devraj Shekhar. Participation certificates were also awarded to all the players to motivate and encourage them.

The Oratory Football Tournament at Divyadaan was much more than a sports event; it was a celebration of youthful energy, fraternity, and hope. The smiles, teamwork, and mutual encouragement seen on the field reflected the Salesian spirit of accompanying young people with joy and compassion. Through sports, these boys discovered not only their talents, but also the deeper values of respect, unity, and perseverance. As the day concluded, what remained was not just the memory of goals scored or trophies won, but the lasting bonds of friendship and the awareness that Divyadaan continues to be a home of welcome, growth, and opportunity for every young persons who walks through its gates.