FUNCTIONS ORGANIZED

COLVA FAMA:
This function was held annually on the feast day of Infant Jesus and was celebrated on a grand scale as "Colva Nite" which drew large crowds.

Due to working conditions in Kuwait, however, it was felt that the Colva Fama had to be celebrated with pomp and gaiety, keeping in mind all Colvenkars in Kuwait.

In the year 1999, Colva Fama was celebrated in the true spirit of the traditional fama, free of charge, on the eve of the Fama Day itself.    In a revival of nostalgia, Fama was celebated at a glittering function.  Colvenkars and their guests, all elegantly attired, exchanged festal greetings and good wishes, to mark the joyful occasion.  The specially decorated venue was pckaged with other 200 Colvenkars and their guests gleefully gracing the festal celebrations.  The venue wore a festive look, reminiscent of the celebrations held in Goa on the Fama Day.  A visib;ly happy and excited President of CUC, Aleluia Fernandes, welcomed the Colvenkars and their guests for  gracing the occasion.  A overwhelmign response, indeed beamed the President.  Alex Wilson Coelho, President of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) - Kuwait praised CUC for organizing the Fama in keeping all Colvenkars in mind and remarked that this function reflects the true sentiments of Colvenkars in all its glittering glory. Lots of prizes, surprises and gifts were given for the young and the old.  The event was preceded by a special prayer and a Konkani Hymn "Menino Jesus Amcho", followed by cutting of the Fama cake.  The guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner that included the famous Goan dishes - Sorpotel and Sannas, specially prepared for the day by the members of the committee.  The event was such a success, it will be the much awaited event of Colvenkars in the New Millennium. For Images Click here

CHRISTMAS TREE:
Christmas Tree is held during Christmas Season, free for all members, friends, well-wishers and their families.  Lots of gifts are given to the children by the Santa Claus and various prizes given out for various games, etc.  A real X'Mas fever is felt on the
day. For Images Click here

MILLENNIUM 2000 NITE:
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Republic of India, CUC has organized a glittering function on February 24, 2000 at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Farwaniya-Kuwait.    The guest attired in formal outfits had a wonderful evening with music and dance. The highlight of the event was a spectacular contest to select the "Millennium 2000 Couple".  The judges had a close encounter on their minds while judging the Millennium Couple.  Eventually, petite Ms. Brenda Almeida and dashing Mr. Riche Rodricks was crowned as Millennium Couple.  Ms. Linette Rodricks Mr. Vishal Geol were the runners-up.  A colourful souvenir was released to mark the Millennium 2000 Nite.  Kuwait's top band "The Stepping Stones" set the hearts of music on fire. For Images Click here

SPORTS:
CUC Football Team is one of the strongest and favourite teams among the 14 Indian Teams in Kuwait. All the tournaments are held under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), the governing body of football activities in Kuwait. During a short period, CUC Team has won almost all the major trophies.

During current season (1999-2000) - still in progress, CUC Team emerged Winners with 2 prestigious trophies and one Runners-up Trophy.  The first winning trophy being United Friends Club (UFC) tournament; and the second DHL sponsored Navelim Youth Centre organized tournament. The Runners-up trophy was awarded to CUC for the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) organized tournament. It is a matter of pride for CUC where 3 of their outstanding players were declared "Man of the Match Award" namely Henry D'Souza, Tiago Fernandes and Jimmy Gouveia in the above mentioned 3 tournmanent's finals respectively. For Images Click here

OTHER ACTIVITIES:
In Goa:
Over the years, CUC has distributed educational books in Goa to needy school students; sponsored scholarships, repatriated needy Colvenkars from Kuwait, offered financial assistance for the needy; and assistance given to St. Anthony Club who are donning colours in Goa's First Division Football League under Goa Football Association (GFA).

CREDITS

Site designed and presented by: Ulysses Menezes
Prepared & researched by: Gaspar Almeida
(with input from CUC committee members).

Photography: Rewon Gomes & CUC.
Photos on the Fama feast at Colva (Goa):

Alister Miranda (courtesy: Goacom)