Porvorim Rising Trust to host women’s sports day on May 3, championing grassroots participation

Goa Khabar : Reinforcing its commitment to community development and women’s empowerment, Porvorim Rising Trust has announced the organization of a Women’s Sports Day on May 3 across the Porvorim constituency at the panchayat level.

The initiative will be conducted across three panchayats, Penha de França, Salvador do Mundo, and Socorro, under the guidance of Porvorim MLA and Goa’s Tourism and IT Minister, Rohan A. Khaunte.

Announcing the initiative, Salvador do Mundo panch member Rina Fernandes, in the presence of Porvorim BJP Mahila Morcha President Ujjwala Mandrekar and other panch members, highlighted that the event aims to encourage greater participation of women and young girls in sports by taking the initiative to the grassroots level.

Designed as an inclusive platform, the Women’s Sports Day seeks to empower women through sports, while enhancing physical fitness, confidence, and leadership skills. The event will feature a total of 10 competitions, including eight individual events such as lemon-and-spoon race, 100m race, langdi, shot put, needle-thread race, 20m sack race, musical chairs, and a 200m walk and two group events: 4x100m relay and tug of war.

To ensure broad participation, the event will be divided into four age categories: 18–30, 31–50, 51–74, and 75 years and above. Each participant will be eligible to compete in up to four events. Winners securing the top three positions in each competition will be awarded prizes, along with five bumper prizes to be distributed through a lucky draw, ensuring that participation is widely recognized and celebrated.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Rohan Khaunte said: “Women’s Sports Day is a meaningful step towards building stronger, more confident communities by encouraging women’s participation at the grassroots level. Initiatives like these not only promote fitness and well-being but also create platforms for leadership, self-expression, and unity. We are committed to fostering inclusive opportunities that enable women across age groups to actively engage, compete, and thrive.”

Fernandes emphasized that women today are excelling across fields, and sports serve as a powerful platform for self-expression, community bonding, and positive social engagement. She added that such initiatives play a crucial role in identifying local sporting talent and providing direction for future growth.

The Women’s Sports Day is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from women and senior citizens across the constituency, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, community bonding, and healthy living.

Fernandes also expressed gratitude to Minister Khaunte, Porvorim Rising Trust, panchayat members, and volunteers for their support in organizing the event, and urged women across Porvorim to participate in large numbers to make the initiative a grand success.

At the press conference, Sucorro Sarpanch Sonia Pednekar, Deputy Sarpanch Maya Keni, along with all women panch members from Sucorro, Salvador do Mundo, and Penha de França, as well as the women coordinators of Porvorim, were present.