Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Celebrating the spirit of sport that transcends age, the Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons (AWES) marked its tenth anniversary with an annual sports festival, get together and felicitation ceremony at the Sinquetim Sports Complex, Sinquetim, Navelim, on Sunday.
The event brought together veteran players, sports officials and administrators who returned to the field to relive their sporting memories and renew old friendships. Despite their advancing age, participants enthusiastically competed in seven a side men’s football, men’s and women’s volleyball, mixed three a side basketball and athletics events, including the 50 metre run, shot put and 4×50 metre mixed shuttle relay.
Padma Shri awardee and Arjuna Award winner Brahmanand Shankhwalkar was among those who participated in football, adding to the occasion’s celebration of Goa’s sporting heritage.
AWES used the gathering to recognise individuals and institutions that have made lasting contributions to sports. Two historic clubs, Associacao Academica de Moira and Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, were honoured for completing more than 100 years. Clubs that participated in the inaugural Goan Football League in 1951 and continue to exist were also felicitated.
Special recognition was given to achievers above 80 years of age. Among them was Dr Satish Kudchadkar, a national gold medallist in badminton, an Indian representative at the BWF World Seniors Championships and recipient of the Dr B.C. Roy Award 2024 for an eminent medical personality.
International Masters athletics medallist Anthony Fernandes, veteran cyclist Peter Rodrigues, former Crown Club volleyball player Carmo Vaz and long distance runner Apu Rajan were also honoured. Long serving Calangute Association office bearer Gajanan Salkar received recognition for his contribution.
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat was the chief guest at the felicitation ceremony. Goa Football Association president Dr Caitano Fernandes, Dronacharya Award winner Armando Colaco and other sports personalities and AWES office bearers attended.
AWES general secretary Jennifer Gonsalves compered the programme, while assistant general secretary Lector Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks. The event received support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Through its annual initiative, AWES reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that sporting achievements continue to be valued long after athletes retire from active competition.
