Goa, October 21 st, 2023: The town of Mapusa was abuzz as the Torch Rally of the 37th National Games commenced its tour of Bardez taluka on Saturday.
The official Mascot ‘Moga’ also interacted with citizens and students of various Mapusa-based schools near the Mapusa municipality. Excited students shouted out slogans of ‘Get Set Goa’, the motto of the National Games. During the day, the Torch Rally made stops at Colvale, Camurlim, Peddem Sports Complex, Bastora, Guirim, Parra, Siolim, Anjuna, Arpora, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Nerul, Betim, Porvorim, Salvador do Mundo, Penha de Franca, Britona, Malim, Betim, and ended for the night halt at Panaji police station.
Saligao MLA Shri Kedar Naik, Aldona MLA Shri Carlos Ferreira, Zilla Panchayat members, Mapusa municipality councillors, government officials and other dignitaries were present.
The Saligao MLA said that it is proud moment for Goas as the state hosts the National Games.
“The Torch Rally of the 37th National Games has begun in Mapusa, and it will travel across Bardez taluka throughout the day. I thank Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Shri Govind Gaude and the entire Cabinet for organising such a prestigious event as necessary quality infrastructure has been readied for the Games in a short time,” Naik said. The Aldona MLA expressed happiness that the Goa has been selected as the destination for the 37th National Games.
“It’s a very good venue. People love to come to Goa. It’s not about only sun, sand and sea, now it’s also sports for which they can come to Goa. Sports is a healthy activity, there are no ‘side-effects’. People should participate in sports because a healthy body is a mind and therefore a healthy spirit,” Ferreira said.
“All rolled into one, Goa can offer the best. I think we are trying to showcase not only our culture but also our inherent goodness of Goa. The 37th National Games will be a success. The torch rally is creating awareness regarding the Games. People are participating with great enthusiasm. I wish all the success it deserves,” he added.
At Oxel, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo along local women, students of various schools in Siolim and panchayat members welcomed the Torch Rally and mascot Moga.
Young students as well as women draped in colourful sarees performed special dances at the programme.
“I am happy, and it is a matter of pride for Goans as the 37th National Games are being held in Goa.
I thank the Hon. Prime Minister for giving us the opportunity to host the National Games. I urge the headmasters of various schools in Siolim to ensure the students go and witness the Games. Only then they will be motivation to take part in sports. Sports is equally important. I congratulate everyone working behind the scenes to make the Games a grand success. I am confident Goans will win medals,” she said.
At Calangute, the Torch Rally was received by Calangute sarpanch Shri Joseph Sequeira, panch members and former national footballer Bruno Coutinho.
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