TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Bharat Scouts and Guides, Goa and Mormugao District Association jointly conducted the eighth edition of the rafting adventure activity programme at Vaddem lake, Vasco, recently.
Around 570 scouts and guides and 28 scoutmasters and guide captains took part in the four hours programme.
A school from Tiswadi taluka also participated in the programme. The programme began with Maxie Correia, president of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Goa, Mormugao District Association flagging off the rafting activity in the presence of Mukund Kambli, district chief commissioner; Sergio Peroz, Scout Master of St Andrew’s Institute, Antonio De Souza; ScoutMaster of Deepvihar HS and Judith Almeida, guide captain of St Therese HS.
It was interesting to note that the scouts, who participated in rafting, had themselves prepared the three rafts out of bamboo and plastic pet bottles that were filled in gunny bags. Each raft had a capacity of carrying 10-12 students.
District co-ordinator for rafting Sergio Peroz informed that rafting adventure programme has been held for the eighth consecutive year because of the following reasons: Firstly, to give a boost to the spirit of adventure amongst scouts and guides. Secondly, to put into practice the knowledge and skills of knots and lashings by constructing a pioneering project called RAFT and thirdly, to boost the confidence of children wherein they can overcome their fear of water and also to take them a step closer to nature.
MLA of Vasco constituency and chairman of KTCL Carlos Almeida was the chief guest and Jerry Fernandes MMC councillor, ward VIII was the guest of honour.
Indian Navy Commander TN Sai kumar Officer in Charge of Clearance Diving unit NAD Jetty, Chicalim assisted the association by deputing a diving team comprising of divers Neeraj Kumar POCDI and Vikas Kumar LSCDI alongwith a Gemini with OBM and 25 life jackets. William D’Costa, secretary of Goa Barge Owners Association and Ashish, proprietor of Vasco Steel traders also wholeheartedly supported by lending life jackets and transporting the rafts etc.
Guide Captain Judith Almeida compered and Guide Captain Ayexabi of Vidya Mandir HS proposed a vote of thanks.
Towards the end of the programme, the organisers escorted Almeida and Fernandes on the raft in order to have the feel of the adventure activity.
