NAVELIM-KUWAIT ELECT NEW PRESIDENT

Navelim YC-Kuwait: Managing Committee for the year 2014~15
Standing: Avelino Dias, Morris D'Costa, Britto Pereira, Gasper Crasto, Eusebio Fernandes
Sitting: Travis Rodrigues, Allan Fernandes, Norman Noronha, Agnello Fernandes and Katty Carneiro

Kuwait: Mr. Norman Noronha was elected President of Navelim Youth Centre (NYC - Kuwait) at a Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club held at Hotel Kuwait Continental, recently.

This is the first time that Mr. Norman is elected President of NYC, a Goan socio-cultural and sports association in Kuwait. 

A former player of the club, Norman has served in various positions in the past. 

Outgoing president Agnello Fernandes, who decided to step down after serving for 15 terms, highlighted Navelim’s fame throughout the Middle-East especially in the field of football. He stressed the need for unity among members and pledged everyone to help take Navelim to new heights in the years to come. 

Vice-President elect Mario (Katty) Carneiro recognized the support of well-wishers and supporters of Navelim in Kuwait as well as back home in the village. 

In his speech, newly elected General Secretary Travis Rodrigues requested co-operation from all members to carry out the activities of the club. A number of programs were chalked out for the ensuing season. 

Following is the new managing committee elected for the season 2013~14:
President: Norman Noronha, 
Vice President: Mario Carneiro, 
Gen. Secretary: Travis Rodrigues 
Treasurer: Allan Fernandes 
PRO & Cultural Secretary: Eusebio Fernandes 
Sports Secretary: Avelino Dias 
Asst Sports Secretary: Gasper Crasto
Team Manager: Britto Pereira
Asst Team Manager - Morris D’Costa
Auditor: Duarte Ferrao
Advisor: Agnello Fernandes

:::About Navelim Youth Centre:::

The village of Navelim has a rich history of football and is famous for producing many players of International fame. Navelim Youth Centre (NYC-Kuwait) was established in the year 1987. 

The main objective of the Club has been to promote sports and develop friendship among the Indian Community in Kuwait and the Gulf in general, and provide social services to the poor and less fortunate brethren back home in Goa. 

The club’s many achievements in the past are evidence of its commitment to the club’s slogan, ‘United We Stand’, as can be seen from examples among 'genuine' Navelkars in Kuwait who take pride in following and celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Rosary, the patroness of Navelim village with great reverence and splendor. 

Navelim has won every trophy at stake in Kuwait and remains one the most formidable clubs among Indians in Kuwait ever since its inception. The club boasting of maximum players from its own village has won all major trophies in Kuwait, noteworthy among them being the 3 prestigious Silver Jubilee Trophies -- United Goans Silver Jubilee Trophy, Rising Stars Silver Jubilee Trophy, and GOA Maroons Silver Jubilee Trophy. 

NYC currently holds the Kuwait Indian Football record with 7 League titles to its name. The club has also travelled to Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, etc, to participate in Indian tournaments.

Last season, the club shocked everyone by withdrawing the team from Kuwait Indian football activities despite being crowned League Champions. However, they will be back in action in the forthcoming season.

Collectively, the club has organized numerous projects and raised tens of thousands for charity in the past.

:::About Norman Noronha - the President elect:::

Norman Noronha – a Goan with a dream…!
By Gasper Crasto

All throughout history, Goans are known to have ventured out to different parts of the globe in search of new prospects

Prominent Goans living abroad have excelled outstandingly in various fields with their dedication and hard work. In Kuwait, Goan individuals have long made a mark as leaders in their own right. The most important thing is that Goans have retained their emotional, cultural and spiritual links with Goa.

In this article, we trace the life of Norman Noronha - a Goan in Kuwait, a Goan with a dream. 24th June 2013 marks a new landmark in Norman’s life as he celebrates his 50th year!

Norman on a trip to Oman in 2007

Norman Noronha, hails from Colmorrod ward in Navelim, Goa, famous for producing some of the finest footballers who have represented Goa and played at International level.

Love for Football
Norman has represented Rosary High School, Navelim at Under-16 & 19 tournaments, represented Shree Damodars College of Commerce & Economics, Margao - Goa in Football for 5 years. He is a gold medalist at Inter-collegiate football tournaments of Mumbai University, Mumbai.  Norman also played for his village clubs CRSC, Enfermos, Navelim Sporting, etc, in Inter-Village tournaments all over Goa.

In Kuwait, Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) runs football for the expatriates in Kuwait. Players from all over India are eligible to participate in football tournaments under KIFF. Most of the teams are from Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, etc.

Many famous ex-players who have represented Goa and India have played in Kuwait, with some young stars heading to the Oil rich country every year.  Some of the most prominent players to have played in Kuwait are  Joseph Machado, ex-Dempo and East Bengal; Joseph Salemao,  ex-Mafatlal;   Anthony Rebello, ex-Salgoancars; Sarto Baptisa, ex-Salgoancars;  Tiago Fernandes, ex-Dempo-Salgaocars; Gasper Crasto -ex-Salgoancars; Britto Pereria, ex-Vasco Sports Club;  Agnello Miranda, ex-Dempos;  Avelino Dias, Goa Under-21 National; Alvaro Dias, ex-Churchill Brothers.

While in Kuwait, Norman played as a rearguard defender for United Goans Centre and his village team Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) on the famous Sour grounds of Kuwait till 1995. His combination alongside Alcantra Barretto (ex-Salgaocars), Albin (Sesa Goa), etc, was most fearsome at that time. 
Norman receiving an award during his prime footballing days

Norman left active participation in football following a lethal knee injury and an ensuing knee operation.

After football, Norman has been very lively in management activities of KIFF. He was KIFF Sports Secretary during the Kuwait visit of dynamic GFA administrator and then Hon. General Secretary of All India Football Federation Mr. Albert Colaco.

Norman is one of the founder members of one of the most popular clubs in Kuwait - Navelim Youth Centre, which was formed in 1987 under the presidentship of Mr. Joseph Salema.  Since the inception of the Navelim, Norman has held various positions for the club in the capacity of Vice President, General Secretary, Asst. Treasurer, Auditor, Advisor, etc, and continues to do so with great enthusiasm.

Norman is working for Lloyd's Register EMEA, Kuwait, as an Administrator. He has travelled extensively, visiting most of the Middle-East Gulf countries.

Advice to Footballers and Writers
Norman says, “My advice to footballers in Kuwait, where most are playing for leisure, is that, players should play in the true spirit to enjoy the game. As for writers, more people should come forward to write in our own mother tongue Konkani.”

Writing Skills
Right from a very young age, Norman has been blessed with profound writing skills. He has written a number of Konkani articles and short stories which are published in various magazines and newspapers. His penchant of writing short stories has improved since 2010 when his first story ‘Mhojea Bhurgeaponnacho Ugddass’ was published.

Till date, Norman has a collection of 13 stories, 3 of the best ones are published in the Goan Review magazine published from Mumbai. His story ‘Festacho Dis’ is very popular among readers. Most of his works are archived in his blog: http://normannoronha.blogspot.com/

“Someday, I intend to publish a book - a collection of my stories,” reveals the enthusiastic writer.
Norman on his wedding day with his mother and late father
Norman with daughter Marissa and wife Tase

Life in Kuwait:
Norman is greatly indebted to the country of Kuwait. In his own words, he says, “What I could not achieve or think of achieving in Goa, I have accomplished working in Kuwait."  He feels life, both in Kuwait and Goa, is susegad. "However, there is a lack of unity among Goans which is a major concern for every generation.”

Source of Inspiration
Norman says he is highly indebted to his brother-in-law late Mr. Joe Coutinho who was a source of inspiration and great help when he was young.

Memorable Moment in Life:
“My most memorable moment in life remains my graduation day. It was highly distinctive for any middle-class person of my time to be a graduate in the family.”

Greatest Loss in Life:
“The untimely death of my nephew Elias Coutinho at a young age will personally remain a great loss in my life.”

Best Friend in Life:
“Cyril Fernandes (Ex-President – Goa Shipyard Employees Union), is my close friend for the last 25 years.”

Life with Family:
Norman married Tase Crasto in 1994 and has a daughter (Marissa) as tall as him. The family is happily living in Kuwait.

Future Plans:
“To settle down in Goa, and try my hand at mechanized farming.”

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