Mangalorean Association of Canada Organizes Annual Picnic
Canada, Jun 19: With anxious eyes scanning the Weather Network and frantic
looks towards the skies trying to read between the clouds, brave Mangaloreans
came in droves to attend the Annual Picnic organized by the Mangalorean
Association of Canada June 19, 2010 at the Meadowvale Conservation Park,
Mississauga. Despite dire predictions, the day turned out to be sunny with a
slight breeze and uplifted the spirits and moods of all who attended. Children,
parents, seniors and youth brought their picnic baskets, umbrellas, soccer balls
and most of all, their enthusiasm and liveliness.
With the blow of a whistle and the blaring megaphone announcements, the
festivities began with a Musical Arms game for kids 5 and under and Passing the
Parcel for children ages 6 to 8. As the kids ran to “get an arm”, or they passed
a parcel, a throng of people cheered them on. With happy smiles, some teary
faces and eager hands, the children accepted the candy bars and gifts. The star
attraction was the Bouncing Inflatable, a Blue Castle that kept the children
enthralled as they bounced and hopped, giggled and laughed while playing in it.
The 3-legged race tested the agility and balance of the teenagers who hopped,
straggled or ran towards the finish line. Not to be outdone, the adults
participated wholeheartedly in the Sack Race and there were some grand and
embarrassing moments as the participants tumbled, slipped and ran the race of
their lives. The youngsters outdid themselves with the Lemon and Spoon race. Our
seniors were not to be left out and they showed their enthusiasm and mettle in
the Bocce Ball, an innovative and fun game that required aim and a keen eye. The
Water Balloon Throw is one of the most popular organized games among all people
and this year, there was a serpentine queue of participants. As the line up was
formed, participants coached their partners on throwing and catching techniques.
With much yelling and screaming and at the blow of the whistle, the balloons
broke and drenched the unfortunate but the lucky winners were the ones who were
able to successfully catch the water balloon without breaking it.
The main focus of the event is to bring the community together, make new friends
and have fun in a family setting. In every game, there are winners and losers
but at the MAC picnic, there were no losing teams. The volley ball and throw
ball games generated great competitive and friendly spirits as spectator’s
yelled encouragement to the teams. People participated wholeheartedly and
enjoyed an aggressive game of throw ball and volleyball. The Tug O War contest
is elevated to an Olympic sport at the MAC picnic as men and women girded their
loins and put in their best effort. Men and women, children and teens did not
hesitate to form teams and in a show of unity heave themselves to victory and
the other team to defeat. When the gauntlet was thrown, the challenge was
accepted – men against women in a test of strength, strategy and numbers. Women
were yet again the winners in this sport of brute strength. An innovative and
complex game bringing nostalgic memories of childhood was the ‘Breaking of the
Modki’. Two ‘Modki’ pots were strung high above the ground and blindfolded
competitors had to aim and break the pot. With the elimination round and 8
finalists remaining, a young determined man was the winner. The runners up were
equally talented and happy to be the recipients of prizes.
The potluck during lunch was an amalgamation of a medley of dishes. With a
prayer, lunch commenced with everyone sharing food and drink in a show of
camaraderie. Bingo provided respite from the hectic fun and a time to relax and
sit. Monetary prizes were awarded to the delight of the crowd and the winners
walked away with a tidy amount. Tea and delicious slices of fresh watermelon
were served courtesy of Paul and Irene Mathias. Our special thanks to Reynold
Sequeira for conducting the games and bingo, Fr. Edwin D’Souza for Grace before
Meals and Sr. Ferdinanda.
At the end of the day, tired but tremendously happy children, youngsters,
parents and grandparents packed their belongings and left for home. MAC had
fulfilled its objective and mandate - to bring the people at a common venue to
meet and mingle and offer opportunities for our youth to have a day of fun yet
show initiative and leadership. MAC earnestly appreciates the work of MAC
members and volunteers who sacrificed their time and energy and put in great
efforts to ensure that the picnic was a superb success.
