Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) organised its annual Family Picnic 2025 at Mishref Garden on November 14, drawing more than 600 members of the Mangalurean community for a full day of games, cultural activities and community bonding.
The event began with a prayer led by Arwin Rodrigues, followed by an action song that set an energetic tone for the day. KCWA president Prakash Godwin Pinto welcomed the gathering and urged families to enjoy the picnic in a spirit of unity and togetherness.
Through the day, members of all age groups took part in a wide range of games and activities. Children from ages 0 to 6 participated in events such as Passing the Cap, Hoop Shot and Cartoon Character play, while those in the 7–9 group played Battle of Tails and Bull’s Eye. Older children took part in Dodge Ball, Throwing the Ball Backwards and other activity-based games. Couples and senior citizens joined events such as Made for Each Other and Sweet Sixty’s. The Housie-Housie session attracted a large crowd and saw multiple winners.
KCWA’s spiritual director, Fr. Avil Rosario, joined the picnic and led the grace before meals. He extended blessings to all participants and spoke about the importance of fellowship within the community.
Sports events also drew enthusiastic participation, including men’s volleyball, women’s throwball, shot put, and tug of war. The matches were coordinated by Sports Secretary Alan Vaz and the sports committee. Throughout the day, trophies and medals were handed over by KCWA president Prakash Godwin Pinto and committee members.
The opening ceremony was compered by Vinitha Pinto, while the prize distribution was anchored by Yvonne Veigas. Sports Secretary Alan Vaz delivered the vote of thanks, and the closing prayer was led by Roystun Dsouza. Photographers Prem Crasto and Lennon Paris documented the event.
KCWA members and guests were served breakfast and lunch prepared by Mughal Tandoori Restaurant, Abbasiya. Media coverage was handled by website administrator Nilton Dsouza with support from former administrator Allan Dsouza, along with coverage from Canara World Kuwaity.com’s James Paul D’Souza. Johnson D Almeida and Franky D’Souza provided logistical support, and the sound system was arranged by Roshan Rodrigues.
The day-long picnic brought together families across Kuwait’s Mangalurean community, offering a mix of recreation, sport and social bonding, and closed with appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the sports committee, managing committee and support teams.
