On 26-March '10, the Ahmadi sports grounds wore a festive look. Children and adults sporting colorful dresses, displaying tremendous excitement and spirit of friendship in greetings and participation were seen all over the place to participate in the annual cricket tournament christened as "DNV CRYcket-2010" organized by Friends of CRY Club - Kuwait (FOCC-Kuwait). DNV-Kuwait branch were the main sponsor of this year's event and co-sponsored by Payal Jewelers' and Lambwestern Co. For the first time a Souvenir was released commemorating the 12 glorious years of FOCC's activities.

A motivating message from H.E. The Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Mr. Ajai Malhotra and a message from Chief Executive of CRY-India, Ms. Puja Marwaha were the highlights, beside insights on Brain Bang mission and a brief on our supported project Manav Ashrita Sansthan (MAS). A unique drive for "Associate Membership" was also introduced in 2009 where anyone from the society could sign-up and feel attached to the FOCC & CRY mission. One of the highest number of children's' teams participated this year - ten Senior children and eleven Junior children teams - vying with each other for top honors consisting of a glittering rolling "CRYcket" trophy in each category. Additionally there was the KIDS corner where one could see children and adults participating in a spirit of friendship in the exciting games. The drawing competition and essay competitions where in both children and adults participants showed their drawing and writing skills. There was the Buy for CRY stall where articles donated by good Samaritans through FOCC's efforts could be picked up almost for a song. The Telugu Kala Samithi (TKS) put up a canteen for tasty food items. It was pure fun and everything done at the event was for a noble cause - to help the underprivileged children in India in our own humble way. H.E.

The Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Mr. Ajai Malhotra graced the occasion despite his busy schedule and lauded the efforts of FOCC for its activities and doing its bit for the underprivileged children rights in India. He enjoyed the final matches of both the junior and the senior teams, officially released the "Souvenir" and presented the winners and the runner-up team Captains with the trophies to a thunderous applause from the parents and cricket lovers. Our special thanks to him. Mr. H.S. Gandhi, Country Manager (Kuwait) of DNV-Kuwait, who were the event sponsors, in his short speech congratulated the children and the organizers and expressed his continued support towards FOCC. Medals and certificates to all participants of CRYcket 2010 were given by Mr. Gandhi as well as Mr. Jamal A. Chaaraoui & Mrs. Oussama Daher of Quality Light & Heavy Eqpt. Co. "With CRY every one is a winner".

The participating team in the DNV CRYKET-2010 tournament were: Senior Category: Carmel Super Kings; CCC; FAIPS. DPS; Falcon DNV; Friendz XI; Gladiators; Gulfmart Masters; Oman Exchange; Riggae Cricket Coaching; Terminators whereas Junior Category had : CCC; FAIPS.DPS Juniors A; FAIPS.DPS - Juniors B; Gladiators Juniors; Gladiators Eleven; Gulfmart Blasters; Oman Exchange XI; Pace XI-A; Pace XI- B; Qatar Airways Super Tots. After almost 10 hours of quality cricket play, the winner for the Seniors was DPS Seniors and the runner-up, CCC. The best player award went to Fizan (76 runs). In the Junior category, the winner's trophy was picked up by CCC and the runner's-up trophy went to RCC. The best player award was given to Allen (82 runs & 4 wickets). The two girl children who played cricket this year Ms. Sanghamitra and Ms. Srineedhi from Gladiators XI were honoured by the FOCC and also blessed by the Ambassador. Their coach and parents were congratulated for their encouragement to the girls.

For the Drawing competition held in three categories from age under 6 years to 16 years, N. Anjali, Pratishtha Reddy; and Vishala Darshini. For the Essay competition held in two categories from age 11 years to 16 years: Ikhlaas Merchant and Presil were the first and second prize winners. For the adult category, Binoy Sebastian's essay won the prize. The Raffle draw was done at the hands of Mrs. Tehmina Merchant, our oldest FOCC supporter where Mrs. Reena took home the fabulous first prize. Handsome prizes offered by Payal Jewellers, Avanti Palace Restaurant, Cake & Bake, Marina Hotel among others were bagged by 13 other lucky persons.

FOCC thanks with gratitude the participating children and parents for working so hard with the children, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), KOC Hockey committee, Indian Embassy, Det Norske Veritaas (DNV), Payal Jewellers, LambWestern , E.S. Rao, Quality Light & Heavy Equipment Co., Career Hunters, Avanti Palace Restaurant, KAPICO Travels & Tours, Cake & Bake, Marina Hotel, Udayam Restaurant, Life Insurance Co. (LIC), Joseph Sebastian, Fantasy World, Sahara Airconditioning Co., Telugu Kala Samiti (TKS), Friends of FOCC, the cricket umpires, scorers and all supporters including the local press - Arab Times, Kuwait Times, Al-Watan, The Times, IndiansinKuwait. com, Kuwaitsamachar. com, Goa-world. com, Mangalorean. com and Daijiworld.com. The one day event was a refreshing get away for all the participants and parents alike that had a touching gesture to the society at large.

You can join hands with FOCC by becoming a volunteer and/or an associate member. For details visit focckwt.org or email: [email protected].