COMMUNITY


1,000 attend PCS’s annual Punjabi Sports Festival

Chicago: Punjabi Cultural Society (PCS) of Chicago held its 14th annual “Punjabi Sports Festival 2008” at Palatine on August 9 and August 10. More than 1,000 people enjoyed Punjabi community sports activities and a family style fun fair. The chief guest was Harjinder Singh Sandhu of Sandhu Petroleum. Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Advanced Pain Management Milwaukee was the guest of honor.
The basketball tournament competed by 13 teams was held on August 9 and the main event was held on August 10.
At the formal inauguration ceremonies, the athletes paraded the grounds with Dhol music by Sukhi Basati.
Mayor of Palatine Rita Mullins inaugurated the festival, her 14th year in a row, by releasing a colorful bunch of helium balloons to the clear blue sky and declared: “Let the games begin.” Several dignitaries, including Illinois State Senator Matt Murphy and other political candidates attended and congratulated the organizers for such an enjoyable community event.
Kabaddi, soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams from New York, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois competed for the championships.
Yoga, meditation, and householders’ fitness exercises class rendered by Shiva Singh and Shabad Kaur Khalsa attracted many curious learners.
The New York Sports Club Kabaddi team won the PCS Chicago Harbhajan Singh Gakhal Memorial Kabaddi Cup along with a cash award of $2100, sponsored by Harjinder Singh Sandhu. The PCO Milwaukee Kabaddi team won the runners-up trophy and a cash prize of $1100 sponsored by Baldev Singh Bagri. Shere Punjab of Chicago and Doaba Club of Chicago Kabaddi teams gave the winners a very hard challenge. Charanjeet Singh of New York team was declared the best stopper and Sandeep Singh also of the New York team was determined to be the best raider of the tournament. Harwinder Pal Singh Lail, Happy Heer and Major Singh Mauji entertained the audience with their spicy commentary.
S. Sewa Singh Dulat D.P.E. memorial PCS Chicago Soccer Cup and cash prize of $1100 sponsored by Lovedeep Singh Dulat were won by Midwest United team.
PCS Chicago Volleyball Cup and first prize $500 sponsored by Devinder Kaur (Pinky) Deol of Midwest Physical Therapy were won by PHO Chicago team. The Saint Louis Volleyball team won the runners-up trophy.
S. Kehar Singh Lail memorial PCS Chicago Basketball Cup and a cash prize of $500 sponsored by Jarnail Singh Lail were won by the “Brown Plaque” basket ball team. The Punjabi Future Stars won the runners-up trophy. Among the junior’s game PCS White Sox won over the PCS Cubs basketball team.
In the women’s three-legged race, the first place winners were Gurdeep Kaur and Kiranjit Kaur, and the runners-up were Gagan Kaur Singh and Harmanjot K. Sangha.
In the three-legged race for girls under 17 year of age, the first place winners were Sanpreet K. Singh and Baljeet K. Singh, and the second place winners were Rubina Dhillon and Simi Dulat..
In women’s 100-meter race, Vicky Dhillon came in first, Salminder Sandhu second and Jasdeep Saini took the third place.
In girls 50 meter race, Raman Saini took the first place, Kiran Saini the second and Gagan K. Singh the third place.
Harmanjot K. Sangha won the musical chairs contest.
In children’s 50-meter races, Sumeet Saini won the first place and Devon Saini came in second.
“Our goal is to bring our community together as a family, and motivate them to a wholesome healthier lifestyle in a fun way,” said Amarjit Kaur Atwal, PCS president.
Prize distribution to the winners and Bhangra dancing to the music of Sunshine DJ Rishpal Singh highlighted the closing ceremonies