ANNOUNCEMENT - GOAN SOCCER WORLD CUP 2000

The first ever Goan Soccer World Cup for persons of Goan origin only, is being organized in Goa from the 9th till the 22nd of January 2000. Teams from Canada, U.S.A., U.K., Africa and the Gulf countries have confirmed their participation. The tournament is being conducted under the auspices of Goa Football Association (GFA). The matches will be played at Mapusa (Duler Ground) and Fatorda-Margao (Nehru Stadium).

The Goan Welfare Society in association with Goan Soccer Clubs in Kuwait is arranging a Team to represent Goans in Kuwait. Team officials and players who will be on vacation in Goa during 9th to 22nd January 2000 are requested requested to contact Julio Cardoso (Tel: 5710524 / 9519439 Fax: 4830078 or email: juliao_c@thedoghousemail.com) by 15th November 1999 for further details and registration of names for selection. (Courtesy: Goan Welfare Society - Goa Day '99 Souvenir)

Dear Goenkars!

Overwhelming support from our brethren all over the world has ensured that the first ever Goan Soccer World Cup is no more only a dream but a reality today! It speaks volumes on what Goans can achieve if only we can come together as one, united and harmonious community! Eight countries have already confirmed their entries for this tournament being held in Goa from January 9 to 22, 2000. Since the last date for entries is November 30, 1999, we expect Goans from more countries to proudly take their place at the inaugural march past on January 9, 2000.

During the two weeks of competition, there will be discussions/seminars/ workshops on Sports conducted during the day and daily evening entertainment like Mando Festival, Goan Folk Dance Festival, Sea Food Festival, Tiatr, Funfair, River Cruises, Moonlight Picnics, Cookouts/Barbecues, etc.

The "piece de resistance" will be the Grand World Cup Dinner-Dance which was earlier scheduled for the night of the Final on January 22, 2000 but has now been brought forward to Sunday, January 16, 2000 due to many requests from overseas Goans who will be leaving Goa on January 23, 2000. For full details of the World Cup Dinner-Dance, including advance booking, fees, etc., see:                              
                             http://www.goainternational.com/soccer2000  

The following persons have kindly consented to accept advance booking for
the Dinner-Dance. Last date for overseas booking is November 30, 1999.

USA        : George Pinto      George Pinto <GEORGE@mnwcpas.com>
CANADA  :            Francis Carvalho              Lyndon <lyndon@yesic.com>    
UK          :            Flavio Gracias                  Cheques, made payable to the Goan
Association, UK, should be sent to Flavio Gracias, President, 76 Middleton
Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8BS.
For enquiries:  Eddie Fernandes                <eddie@fernandes.u-net.com>
KUWAIT  :            Juliao Cardoso                  <juliao_c@thedoghousemail.com>
S.ARABIA:            Jerson Vaz                          <vazjerson@yahoo.com>
OMAN      :            Raymond Dias                      <raymond@gto.net.om>
QATAR    :            John Desa                            <johndesa@yahoo.com>
BAHRAIN :            Francis Correia                <cjlc001@batelco.com.bh>
U.A.E.  :            Raul Fernandes                  <gipsport@emirates.net.ae>
FRANCE  :            Agnelo Pinto                      <sabio24@caramail.com>
BRAZIL  :            Maria Helena Lehnen        <tlehnen@vetorialnet.com.br>

Entrance limited to 1,000 persons only, so overseas Goans should book in advance. Thereafter, booking open to persons in Goa only. Overseas Goans hoping to get their booking in Goa may be disappointed as we expect all tickets to be sold out in the first week of December itself!

Please keep up with the build up to the tournament by logging on to:
                                 http://www.goainternational.com/soccer2000  
The website will be updated on weekly basis from Novemver 1, 1999.

With best wishes in the service of all Goans.

Olav Menezes
Goan Soccer World Cup Organizing Committee
Email:omengoa@goa1.dot.net.in