By Trung Hoan, SDB

Ben Cat, Vietnam, 28 January 2018 -- It is always aspiration of sons of Don Bosco to bring about joy and happiness to the young. To continue and carry out the educational project of Saint John Bosco, the Salesian community of Ben Cat commits themselves to take good care of the youth entrusted to them by Divine Providence, particularly those residing in the neighborhood of Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh city.

Every year, the Youth Center of Don Bosco Bet Cat organizes many recreational and educational activities for young people. And it has become the second home for the youth. Besides special gatherings on Family Day, Teachers’ Day, New Year Funfair, Summer Camp, the Youth Center of Don Bosco Bet Cat has organized yearly Autumn Tournament, Spring Tournament and Summer Tournament.

On Sunday, January 28, 2018, to honor Don Bosco and to celebrate in advance the Lunar New Year (coincidence with Chinese New Year), the Youth Center held grand finals in football and basketball to close up the tournament which had lasted for 2 months. It was an occasion for all participants to recall unforgettable moments that they journeyed with one another. Going through competitive matches of various rounds, the players and fans looked forwards to the grand finals with excitement.

At 7:30am, the grand final of basketball for girls took place: Boro vs. Binh Thanh. After thrilling games, Boro triumphed over Binh Thanh and received the championship.

At 8:30am, the grand finals of football and basketball for boys took place. The fields were overwhelmed with cheering from fans. The teams displayed their skills and thrilled spectators. Finally, in football, Fatima defeated Capuchino and went to the first place; in Basketball, Ice Tea was victorious over B.A.F.

At 10am, the award ceremony took place in the family-spirit atmosphere, with the presence of Fr. Peter Pham Huy Hoang,SDB, Rector; Fr. Joseph Phan Trung Hoan, SDB, the Youth Center In-Charge; together with other Salesian confreres of Don Bosco Ben Cat. Father Rector presented awards to winners and gave participants insightful talk and encouragement. Father Joseph Hoan, on behalf of the organizers, showed his gratitude to the Salesian community for their generous support and loving presence among the young during the tournament. He also thanked referees, volunteers for their dedication, players for their cooperation and spectators for their enthusiasm.

Finally, snacks were served for all those who were present. Everyone was happy and joyful. They left the compound of Don Bosco Ben Cat with grateful hearts and kept in their mind the famous saying of Don Bosco, posted on the basketball board: "Run, jump, shout, but do not sin”.

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