Sharjah: Nearly 500 young people from different Syro Malabar Church communities across the United Arab Emirates came together for a vibrant sports gathering organised by the Syro Malabar Youth Movement in Sharjah. The event, held at Winners Sports Club in Ajman, turned into a day of friendship, sportsmanship and community bonding as youth participated in various games and cultural activities.
The sports day was organised by the SMYM unit of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Sharjah, with the support of Sharjah SMC and Ajman SMCA. Organisers said the main purpose of the programme was to encourage young people to step away from excessive mobile phone and social media use and become more active through sports and personal interaction.
Young men and women from several church units across the UAE participated enthusiastically in the competitions. Football, badminton, basketball and tug of war were among the major sporting events conducted during the programme. Participants competed with energy and excitement while supporters cheered for their teams throughout the day.
Apart from sports competitions, the organisers arranged several entertainment activities and interactive games to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. Music, group activities and fun sessions created a festive mood and encouraged stronger friendship among participants from different parishes.
One of the main attractions of the event was a food corner called “Pappanum Pilllerum,” which served traditional style snacks and refreshments. The food stalls became a popular meeting point where participants and families gathered together to relax and spend time with one another. Organisers said the food festival added a family spirit to the entire programme.
A free medical camp conducted by Prime Medical Centre also received good response during the event. Participants were offered health checkups and medical consultations, adding a wellness element to the sports day. Volunteers and medical staff worked throughout the programme to assist those attending the camp.
Father John Joseph Edatt Capuchin, director of the SMYM unit, said such programmes are important in helping young people develop healthy friendships and stronger social connections. He said modern lifestyles often keep youth isolated through digital platforms, and community gatherings like sports events help them rediscover teamwork, communication and active participation in society.
The organising committee included Albert, Soumya, Biju Joseph and Syriac Joseph, who coordinated the competitions and event arrangements. Volunteers from different church communities also played an important role in managing the activities and ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme.
Winners of various sports events were honoured with trophies and prizes during the closing ceremony. Participants said the event gave them an opportunity not only to compete in sports but also to meet new friends and strengthen unity among youth communities in the UAE.
Community leaders noted that youth focused sports programmes are becoming increasingly popular across the Emirates as organisations look for ways to promote physical wellbeing, mental health and social interaction. They said the strong participation in the Sharjah SMYM Sports Day reflects the growing interest among expatriate youth in combining faith, culture and healthy recreation.
Organisers expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in the coming years with even larger participation from families and church communities across the region.