17/08/2026
Goa Carbon Limited, as part of its CSR initiative, distributed football kits to 20 schools across Goa, benefiting around 500 young football enthusiasts and support staff. The project, valued at over ₹10 lakh, was implemented by the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town Charitable Trust.
The distribution programme was held at the Dempo Football Academy, Ella, with Shrinivas V. Dempo, Chairman and Managing Director of the Dempo Group of Companies, as the Chief Guest.
Under the initiative, each participating school received complete football kits for 22 students and three support staff, comprising jerseys, shorts, football shoes, stockings and shin guards, along with four footballs per school.
Speaking on the occasion, Rtn. Gauresh Nayak, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town Charitable Trust, thanked Goa Carbon Limited and Shrinivas Dempo for entrusting the Trust with the implementation of the project. He highlighted the importance of providing young footballers with the right equipment and encouragement to develop their talent.
Addressing the young players, Shrinivas Dempo complimented Goa Carbon Limited, Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, the participating schools and all those involved in the initiative. Recalling the vision of former Goa Chief Minister Late Manohar Parrikar, Dempo spoke of Parrikar's aspiration to see Goans constitute 50 per cent of the Indian football team. Taking that vision further, Dempo said his own dream was to see the Dempo football team eventually comprise 100 per cent Goan players. He expressed confidence that this was an achievable goal, possibly within the next five years, particularly with grassroots support and the involvement of organisations such as the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover of the kits, with the dignitaries tossing footballs into the air, celebrating Goa's passion for the sport and the aspirations of its young players.
Rtn. Madhav Nevrekar, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, proposed the vote of thanks. Rtn. Siddha Sardessai, Project Coordinator, anchored the programme.