He was a footballer in Mumbai playing for various teams in the now nonexistent Harwood league. He however returned to his roots in Goa and made a name for himself with his foresight and administrative skills. Now well into his fifties the competitive side of Kennedy d’ silva has kicked in again and he has now broken records and can a source of inspiration to everyone in the state. Presently the Director of the John Paul 2 Foundation for sports in the Archdiocese he has walked 74 km for a peace walk between Mollem and Vasco. It was a walk that enthused thousands to join in when he reached Vasco. During the Covid 19 period, he has able to set quite a few walking records. He walked a mind numbing 2000 kms in 96 days. In the month of October itself, he walked 877 kms which worked out to around 5 hrs 35 minutes walking everyday. Now a sprightly 67, the walking has had a dramatic effect on his physique. From 93 kilos he has now dropped to 77 kilos. He has reduced his waist from 42 inch to 38 inch. The sheer physicality of the act may be very impressive but his interest in walking was ignited by his visit to Capetown in South Africa in 2007. He had been sent for a training program in sports leadership. In 2008 he walked from Cancon to Pernem a distance of 106 km in one day.
Later that year he walked from Mangalore to Goa a distance of 410 kms in four days. The recent spurt in walking has been boosted by the fact he works from home due to virus and it gives him the opportunity to plan his schedule and go out for his walks. When asked what was on his mind while walking he said “Primarily I am concerned about my fitness, it is also an opportunity for meditation, thinking about several things like social issues, praying and yes look around and appreciate the environment and think of ways to conserve it. I believe it is important to have the five D’s to be successful in walking. Desire, dedication, determination, discipline and devotion, there can be no negotiation on this”. Speaking about his age he said “It is just a number and I strongly feel holistic fitness is important for everyone and everyone has to work out. With the virus running rampant, it is important for everyone to build immunity. That will save lives”. He said his family and friends supported him when he decided to crack the 2000 kms mark in a month. He said “It is dedicated to my parents, Valerian my dad and Irene my mom, my wife Betty and the kids have been a strong support to allow me to achieve the feat.” He says it would be possible for everyone to keep fit by walking briskly for 30-45 minutes a day or covering 10,000 steps on a fitness App maybe Pedometer. This he felt would help everyone get healthy. The man who was named after the inspiring American President who was assassinated a year before he was born said as one got older, it was important to maintain ones fitness to ensure one could enjoy life.
