Joyful exuberance and musical prowess of a high order propelled Rosary School from Miramar, Panjim to the top spot in the Schools Category, while the harmonious blending of Mother of God Choir, Majorda, won them the 1st Place in the Open Category at the grand All-Goa Carol Singing Contest organised by Betalbatim Cricket Club on Goa Liberation Day. Besides the beautiful trophies, the winners in each category walked away with Rs. 7000/- and Rs. 5000/- respectively. Competition was tough and it was a difficult job for the experienced judges - eminent musicians and connoisseurs of good music Fr. Alexandre Pereira, Winston Collaco, Delphine Alvares, and Siddharth Cota to come to a decision as most of the 15 groups from North and South Goa that participated, were of a very high calibre. Eventually, Kings School, S. Jose de Areal in second place pipped Presentation Convent, Margao on the winners podium in the Schools category, while Divine Voices, Quepem and Carmel College, Nuvem bagged the 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the Open Category. The event being held after several years by Betalbatim Cricket Club and principally sponsored by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco and Ms. Martin's Corner & Martin's Comfort, was witnessed by an enthusiastic audience of over 700 people who thronged the beautifully laid out Betalbatim Parish Park, with the tastefully illuminated facade of Our Lady of Remedios Church, Betalbatim as the backdrop. Chief Guest, Mr. Mickky Pacheco & Mrs. Viola Pacheco gave away the prizes to the winners while Guest of Honour Mrs. Carafina Pereira, owner of Martin's Corner and Rev. Fr. Ubaldo D'Cunha. Parish Priest, who presided, gave away the prizes to the First and Second Runners-up. Besides Schools, Senior and Junior Colleges, Choirs from Parishes also took part in the event which was a fitting opening to Christmas festivities.
-- report by Xavier Cota
Secretary
Betalbatim Cricket Club
