DALLAS (TIP): Despite bad weather conditions, the Sports Mela organized by the Sikh Temple of North Texas, Garland, March 30th, attracted a large number of sportspersons and sports lovers. It was the 13th annual sports event organized by the Temple management with the tremendous support of the 400 families strong congregation. The organizers had expected some 400 participants in about a dozen events. But weather played foul and held back some of them. However, hundreds of men, women and children participated in the events.

Hundreds cheered the participants. Women seemed to be more enthusiastic and were seen constantly cheering up the participants, particularly, if the participants were members of their family. The sports included races, basket ball, skipping, volleyball, soccer, tug-o-war etc. The organizers had very thoughtfully created age groups for participants. It was sheer joy to see the participants vying for honors in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Among the more interesting sports were the three legged race and spoon in mouth carrying a ball. Kids really enjoyed the fun a lot. The prize winners were surely on the ninth cloud but their relations and friends were no less delighted. They were seen rushing to congratulate and hug the prize winners. Prizes were given away by senior citizens. Gurjit Kaur, a senior citizen, has been coming every year in the last 13 years to watch the sports.

Her daughter Rashpal Kaur and her grand daughter Raman Kaur who is 8 were with her. They said they enjoyed the event immensely. Jarnail Singh, 40, had his three kids participating. His 15 year old daughter Charanpreet Kaur who participated in a race won 2nd position. Navjot Johl, 11 years old, won 2nd position in Jumps. His third daughter, 9 year old Pritpal Johal got a 3rd position. Jarnail Singh was very pleased and said to this reporter that it was worth the while to bring the kids for sports events. However, he had some suggestions for the organizers. First, he said, the organizers should have a time schedule for each sporting event. Second, there should be some entertainment also. It should be in the form of dances, like Bhangra and songs. A community event, it had full community support, according to Manjit Singh Sahota, President of Garland Sikh Temple. He gave credit for the success of the sports mela to the community and his colleagues on the managing committee.

He had special word of appreciation and gratitude for the sponsors. He mentioned to me that almost every food item and medals for prize winners were sponsored. Nat Family sponsored medals in the memory of Jasjeet Singh Nat. Langar was sponsored by Noni Toor, Sodhi Toor and Toor family. Water and soft drinks were sponsored by Davinder Singh Toor. The much liked Kulfi was sponsored by S. Haripritam Singh of Karinas Kulfi and the delectable Jalebi by Lalli Sandhu. Others recognized included donors and senior citizens who were kind enough to come and give away the prizes. Mr. Sahota also recognized Vijay Handa for his services.

The most appreciation was reserved for the sports committee that organized the sports mela. It included Noni Singh Toor, Avtaar Singh Parvagga,Mandhir Singh Bal, Balkar Singh, Rakesh Saini, Harjit Singh Randhawa, Shera Punjab Singh Randhawa, Jeeta Randhawa,Sodhi Singh Toor, Gurshant Singh,Paramjit Sodhi, and Manjinder Kaur Banipal. The managing committee members who call themselves sevadars, are Manjit Singh Sahota, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Manmohan Singh, Amrik Singh Grewal , Dyal Singh Saini, Mukhtar Singh, Gobind Dhiman, Rupinder Singh, Langar Sevadar Santokh Singh Nijjar, Ranbir Singh Bunti, Bahadhar Singh Sahota, Parpal Singh Malhi and Tajinder Singh Teji.