EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE: MCSA Bowling Competition

With camping trips, career fairs, and various charitable efforts under their belt, the Youth Wing of the Malaysian Ceylonese Saivites Association (MCSA) can now add 'bowlers' to their list of activities.

On the 16th of November 2008, 27 members from MCSA youths gathered at U-Bowl, One Utama, to partake in one of their biggest events yet - an inter-MCSA bowling competition. With seven teams of four people the youths, ranging from ages 13 to 40, were all ready to put their best foot forward.

The competition consisted of three games per team, all of which were funded by the RM25 entry fee. At 10am, the youths gathered and were divided into their respective groups of four. Due to a last minute dropping-out, one of the seven teams had only three members. However, they stayed true to the MCSA spirit and did not let this upset them in any way. After everyone got laced up in their colourful bowling shoes, the competition got under way.

As the games progressed, it was hard to tell the outcome, as the scores were like a roller coaster - going up, down, and up again. The competition was slowly coming to an end, and there was still no clear winner. The last ball rolled down the lane and the participants eagerly awaited the results.

It was finally time as the Secretary of the MCSA, Mr. Ganesan Gunaratnam stepped forward to hand out the prizes. In a surprise victory, the earlier said team of three claimed victory despite their missing one member. The team, which comprised of Venu Ramadas, Prakash Sothivadivale, and Skandha Ganesan, were more than glad to accept their medals. It was a touching sight as Skandha, the son of Mr. Ganesan, was awarded the medal by his father. Also all smiles was the daughter of Venu Ramadas, who accepted the medal on behalf of her beaming father.

Coming in second was the team Kuberan Myilvahanam, Ahalyah Ragunathan,Puveendra Thuraisingam, and the President of the MSCA Youth Wing, Sujithaen Ilangkainathun.

Cementing the generosity of the MCSA, individual achievements were also recognised as four of the twenty-eight were given trophies for 'Best Bowlers'. In the male category, Kuberan Myilvahanam bagged the first prize, and Prakash Sothivadivale coming in a close second. In the female category, Dhynna Ramakrishnan was given top honours, with Kavitha Aruljothi claiming the second place.

With their trophies, medals, and the overall feeling of a good day, the participants enjoyed a good lunch, courtesy of Little Caterers Sdn. Bhd.The success of this event can only mean one thing - more events of all sorts to come. And if the MCSA Youth Wing's track record is anything to go by, we can expect greater things to be achieved in the future, be it charitable, social or simple, fun-motivated efforts.