By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait CRCC President Bosco Leitao presenting the award 
Tony is a born sportsman. He has been an athlete since his school days at Arpora - Goa in 1954. While at school, during the Portuguese time, Tony represented Goa at an International athletics meet. He also represented his school in volley ball, hockey, carrom and table tennis.
Tony started his football carreer in 1956 at St. Joseph's High School and continued to play at St. Britto's High School. In 1960, he played for Benfica club of Portuguese (Goa) and later in 1964 joined the Indian Tools in Bombay. He started with Indian Tools in the 4th division and saw them through to the senior division at the famous Cooperage Ground.
After coming to Kuwait, in 1976, Tony formed a team together with other star players of that time to play against the British in their tournament (Dean of Forest) at Ahmadi.
In 1979, Tony has been one of the founders of the now running UG (United Goans) tournament. He was also the main referee for Indian Football Referees Association. Tony continues to be an avid footballer playing in the Veteran's tournament year after year.
Following is the list of CRCC's 'Athlete of the Year' award winners:
1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) -1994-1995
2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) - 1996
3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) - 1997
4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) - 1998
5. Tony Coutinho (GOA Maroons) - 1999
6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) - 2000
7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) - 2001
8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre) - 2002
9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) - 2003
10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2004
11. Gajendra Pillay (GOA Maroons) - 2005
12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) - 2006
13. Julio Cardoso (GOA Maroons) - 2007
14. Tony Gonsalves (United Goans) - 2008
About: Cultural & Recreational Club of Chinchinim - Kuwait
CRCC -Kuwait (Cultural and Recreational club of Chinchinim) as the name indicates is an organization for Chinchonkars based in Kuwait.
Founded in 1992, by only a handful of Chinchonkars, CRCC Kuwait started initially as a soccer club. At the same time they also founded the CRC football tournament also known as the BBK trophy because of the financial backing by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.
The club also organizes annual picnics for its members and their families in addition to other get-togethers held during the year.
In 1994, the club members decided to organize a Christmas dance party. And so December 12th of 1994 marked the beginning of what was to become a very successful annual event in the Goan calendar in Kuwait. Every year since then the annual 'Fiesta' is being held during the Christmas season.
Remarkably, CRCC Kuwait has only had two presidents since its birth. Mr. Anselmo Furtado and Mr. Bosco Leitao. They, along with the backing of other committed members, have helped make the CRCC name one of class and prestige.
From the very beginning CRCC had established a scholarship fund for the bright and upcoming students of the Chinchinim village. This scholarship was awarded to Chinchonkar student toppers in all the various schools in the village back home.
In addition to helping the village, the club has also aided other organizations when in need. This has not been limited to Goan organizations or needs only. The club also looks after its members in Kuwait and uses its collective influence to assist everyone.
CRCC is still a young club, but it has earned a lot of recognition for its achievements in Kuwait. And surely the best is yet to come!
