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Goa willing to host Lusofonia
Games
Panaji, Feb 6 Goa could
offer its candidature for hosting the 3rd Lusofonia Games in 2013 provided
the National Games are held in 2011, since all the infrastructure would
be in place, stated Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat at Dona Paula today.
Speaking at the function
organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs to felicitate renowned
marathon Olympian, world and European gold medal winner Rosa Mota, who
is part of the Portuguese delegation headed by Comandante Vicente Moura,
president of Portuguese Olympic Committee and which inlcudes vice-rector
of University of Porto, Prof Dr Jorge Goncalves, director of University
of Porto’s faculty of physical education and sports sciences, Prof Dr Jorge
Olimpio Bento, the Chief Minister felt that since Goa had decided to host
the National Games in 2011, the necessary infrastructure would be in place
and consequently it could be put to use for staging the prestigious Lusofonia
Games. Mr Digambar hailed the signining of protocols with the Portuguese
as it is the sports and sportsperson who stand to derive maximum benefits
from the same. “Sports transcends everything. There are no boundaries as
it brings people together. Moreover, it also promotes health,” remarked
Mr Digambar.
“Football is the main sport
in Goa and there are today Goan boys who are training in Portugal as a
result of signing the protocol with GFA. Moreover, a Goan youth team visited
Portugal for an international tournament and hence the efforts of GFA need
to be highly appreciated,” the Chief Minister added and pointed out that
the signing of the second accord with Don Bosco College will bring benefits
to Goan boys and girls. The visit of the Portuguese experts will be a fruitful
one as they would be able to judge the performance of Goans, Mr Digambar
said.
Dr Jorge Goncalves while
praising the Goan warmth and superb hospitality of Goans disclosed that
Universipy of Porto which is the biggest one in Portugal and has a scientifc
outlook could stimulate research so that the students and the youth could
get the best in terms of education and science. “The best resources that
we have is our people and we strongly believe in cooperation so that we
can create a better world. We don’t want to open the same old book. We
now have to start a new chapter of relationship for mutual benefit as much
as the Portguese people can benefit from various experiences. We need to
work together,” he stressed.
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“Portugal is changing a
lot and we are ready to offer our hand of help and cooperation, but you
have to define your agenda and then we shall come forward to do what is
needed,” Prof Jorge summed up.
Comandante Moura, in his
address, complimented the Goa government for splendid hospitality and congratulated
Dr Susana for opening a new chapter in the sports history of the state,
which he said was beneficial to both Portugal as well as Goa since sports
has no barriers. He said Portugal would be hosting the 2nd Lusofonia Games
in Lisbon in June 2009 and that he was ever ready to accept Goan sportspersons
with open arms. “We are looking forward for your participation,” he added |
The Chief Minister later
felicitated Rosa Mota, offering her a shawl, sriffal and the Goan traditional
lamp. “I shall cherish this beautiful moment. I shall carry it in my heart,”
Rosa Mota who was overwhelmed with the government’s gesture and was short
of words, replied. Obviously, she was touched by the outpouring of affection
and love.
The Portuguese delegation
praised Dr Susana de Sousa, director, for her excellent work and initiative
in signing the protocols that helped in establishng healthy and cordial
relations.
Later, at the interactive
session Mr Cesar Menezes (board sailing, yachting), Mr Richard Vaz (badminton),
Mr Lenny Gama (boxing), Mr Mac Vaz (equestrian), Mr Sanjay Shinde (tennis),
Mr Vero Nunes (TT), Mr Chetan Kavlekar (archery), Ms Anita Rodrigues (athletics)
presented their views and sought exchange programmes.
Mr Gurudat Bhakta, GOA secretary
welcomed. Mr V M Prabhudesai, SAG’s executive director proposed a vote
of thanks. Fr Loddy Pires, provincial of Don Bosco, Fr Willy Fernandes,
Mr Kennedy D’Silva, Mr Savio Messias, Ms Juliana Colaco, Ms Jenny Ferrao,
Mr Gurudas Tari were among those present.
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