Sports unite Youths!

Jul 22, 2016

By Daryl Stewart
The Penang Diocese Northern Deanery Council organised the “Northern Deanery Sports Carnival 2016” for young people from 11 parishes in the deanery at the Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam on June 11. The aim was to integrate and unite the youths of the Northern Deanery during the school holidays.

Marcella Maisie, the Coordinator of Northern Deanery Youth Council warmly welcomed 190 young people who came as early as 8.00am. It was followed by a morning prayer and a short speech by Northern Deanery priest, Fr Nelson Joseph. “You youths standing here are the pillars in shaping up our deanery and my prayers go with you,” he said. An energetic Zumba session, led by Zumba instructor Mary Zin, followed. The youths were then divided into 16 groups.

There were eight station games organized by the Deanery Council which needed to be completed by each group to reach the finish line. Youths from different parishes, working together to complete the race, had a great time interacting with each other. There was so much joy and laughter. Leadership, courage, cooperation and teamwork were present. The best part of the games for these young players was the opportunity to be adventurous as they got to explore the holy ground of Saint Anne Sanctuary.

The second part of the event was the fellowship at the Green Hall. After lunch, participants assembled for the closing ceremony. Penang Diocesan Youth Network (PDYN) staff, committee members and volunteers were given tokens of appreciation for their service.

Feedback on the entire event was positive yet humorous. “Throughout this school holiday period, this is the day that was really proactive to me. I enjoyed every moment, making new friends and sweating it out,” shared Maatthew Naatth from the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kulim.”

The event concluded with a closing prayer and final farewells as we look forward to another Northern Deanery event in 2016.