BIS # 4235 CLOSING OF THE SAVION CHARITY TOURNAMENT

by Cl. Sunil Pinto

ANDHERI-MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 19, 2014: The two day Soccer fiesta entitled Savion Corporate Charity Tournament which was held on the Astro Turf at Dominic Savio High School came to close on Sunday, November 16, 2014. After some fiery football action between 28 corporate teams, it was team HDFC and INDIGO, the champions of the first season of the tournament that locked horns in the finals. In a nail biting finish, team HDFC emerged victorious and lifted the coveted trophy along with a cash prize.

Mr. Ajit Joshi, CEO of Croma India was the guest of honour, who in his speech to the audience pledged to support the cause of this tournament and encouraged the players and children with his motivational words.This tournament was conceptualized and orchestrated by the administrator of Dominic Savio High School and Boys home, Fr. Edwin Colaco SDB, who wished to raise funds for the boarding in the campus that housed boys from broken families, orphans and semi-orphans most of whom were financially weak.

This institution also provides evening classes to over two hundred slum children from the neighbourhood. The proceeds from this tournament would be utilized for the educational activities of the boarders and the children who attend the evening study- classes.The idea was to rope corporates to support this cause through sports. Hence this tournament was launched the previuos year under the project entitled: 'Sports for Education'. After tasting sweet success with the first season of the tournament, the second season was scheduled this year on November 15-16.

Celebrities like Mrs. Vidya Malavde of the Chak De India! movie franchise, ace Bollywood actors Mr. Akshay Kumar and Boman Irani added zing to the tournament with their presence and encouraged the children and players with their presence. "This tournament wouldn't have possible if not for the generosity of our benefactors and sponsors. When people see that our cause is genuine I guess everyone steps forward to lend a helping hand", said Fr. Edwin at the close of the tournament.