GIFT School Parade including Sunil Chhetri, Sunil Shetty & ex-Internationals

The inaugural 'Goa International Football Table' was held over the last couple of days in Panjim, Goa; where stalwarts from the football community were discussing the scope and future of football in India and formulating a concise football charter for the state of Goa.

Some of the greatest football stars from yesteryears alongwith players from the present Indian football team had come together to flag off the 'Goa International Football Table'.

Current India captain Sunil Chhetri, who now plays for Churchill Brothers SC, along with Bollywood action star Sunil Shetty, Dronacharya Awardee Syed Nayeemuddin, ex-Indian football players Magan Singh and Inder Singh alongwith popular football juggler Jestes Antony kicked-off the parade from Marriotts Goa at 10.00 am and from there on visited different schools around Panjim on Saturday.

The star-studded float led by Dr. Rufino Monteiro (Chairman, GFDC) and a fleet of staff from Goa Football Development Council interacted with school kids and gave away footballs sponsored by Nivia-Freewill to promote the fun-loving sport.

The gala parade made a stopover at Don Bosco School (Panjim), Sharda Mandir School (Miramar), Our Lady of the Rosary (Dona Paula), Auxilium Convent (Caranzalem) and finally Red Rosary School in Miramar. While the kids were overjoyed to meet their favourite football icons, the highlight of the parade was the felicitation of the stars by the Principal of each school.

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Chhetri, said, "The difference between all of us here and you'll children is that you still have a chance to choose a career. You can be anything that you want in life but always follow your dream and while you do that, it's very important that you take up a sport because no matter what game you play, the game is going to make you a better human being and I can tell you that from my own experience."

As the awardees followed the entourage with pride, school students and the locals on the streets joined the convoy with full enthusiasm while football stars kept the excitement going with their animated stunts and friendly approach.