THE Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society Griffith hosted the 21st Shaheedi Memorial Tournament over the June long weekend.
Known colloquially as the “Sikh Games”, the tournament was held at Ted Scobie Oval in Collina from 9am on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11.
Thousands clamored around the makeshift Kabaddi arena to watch powerful teams from places such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand compete to be crowned champion.
Committee member Manjit Singh Lally said it was a huge event on the Sikh calendar in Australia, as well as being known internationally.
“There is a good response in the Sikh community Australia-wide”
Griffith mayor John Dal Broi and Councillor Christine Stead were in the front row for the semis.
There were various Sikh Exhibitions raising awareness about Sikh Shaheeds on the display as well. The exhibition attracted a lot of audience from various communities.
Soccer, tug-of-war, fencing and volleyball were the other sports played at the annual event. There were also other games, such as ladies musical chairs.
Sikh Martial Arts were also performed on both days of the event.
The games were not the only attraction of the event. Langar was distributed all day throughout the event.
City Council announces $10,000 donation towards Griffith Shaheedi Games
Speaking at the 21st annual Shaheedi Tournament at Griffith, Mayor John Dal Broi, congratulated the local community for organizing the biggest community event of Griffith.
“It is wonderful day to see so many people from the community. This is the biggest sporting event Griffith has ever seen.”
On behalf of Griffith city council, the mayor presented a cheque of $10,000 to the organizing committee towards this year’s annual event.
Hospital to receive donation
THE Shaheedi Memorial Tournament is run by and for the Sikh community, with the support of the wider Griffith community and businesses.
In return, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society Griffith raised money over the weekend to give back to the community.
“We want to put something back to the community,” committee member Manjit Singh Lally said.
The Griffith Base Hospital will again be a recipient of money raised over the weekend.
Collection tins will be stationed around the stalls and grounds at Ted Scobie Oval to collect donations.
Money raised will be used to purchase items required by the hospital.
“We go and ask them ‘what do you need’, so we can buy an item that’s most important to them,” Lally said.
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