In Case Of Emergency "ICE" Campaign_26.08.09

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

News from India_15.08.09

Two weeks ago, I was in Trichi and Kolar (near Bangalore), India, visiting my highway project sites. It was hot, about 38 degrees, and tiring journey travelling along the highway, where the widening to 4 to 6 lanes of highway of about 70 km each, were in progress. My job was to inspect the existing bridges, check on the construction of new bridges and resolve any site issues arising.
Concreting of kerb at median

Bridge pilecap concreting works
Fresh coconut for a cooling drink
'Ramraj' adverts commonly seen for textile garment

Noted down some articles of interest from the newspaper "The Hindu" on the 4th August 2009 as follows:

1. The Parliament has adopted 'The Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2009', which envisages free and compulsory education to children in 6-14 age group. It was reported by Mr. Kapil Sibal, Human Resource Development Minister, that presently out of every 100 attending elementary school only 12 reached the graduation level;
2. The Bengal state government has issued an notification ordering that 15 year old or older buses, trucks, vans etc should not be allowed to operate effective 1st August to check on pollution. The Motor Vehicles Department would not be renewing their permits after the expiry of the stipulated time.
3. 1st death due to H1N1 in Pune on 3rd August 2009. 14 years old girl was admitted in private hospital on July 26th with high fever and breathlessness. Only on the 31st July, her throat swaps were taken for testing. Her conditioned worsened and died on 3rd August. The Authorities and public were up in arms on the lack of urgency by the private hospital.

2009 SJC Girls' Futsal League_02.08.09

It was the final day of the 2009 SJC Girls' Futsal Competition on 2nd August. In addition to the sixth round matches played, the fathers and mothers had their opportunity to display their skills in the futsal court in the Mum's & Dad's Competition.

With the Champions decided last week in the Majors Division, the runners up spot was up for grabs for Turquoise and Amber, who played Citrine and Emerald respectively. Both the matches were keenly contested and both produced upsets. In the first match, Emerald played the hearts out to beat Amber by two goals to one, to notch their first win of the tournament. Turquoise outplayed Citrine in the second match, to win two goals to nil to clinch the Runners Up position with 12 points. The results did not effect the table standing as Citrine finished as Champions, followed by Turquoise, Amber and Emerald.

Amber Vs Emerald match
Citrine Vs Turquoise match

In the Senior Division, Sapphire managed to overcome Jade by four goals to three, to emerge undefeated in the League. The second match between Garnet and Opal ended with Garnet winning by three goals by one. Garnet with the formidable forwards, Mayday and Malaysia, was thwarted by the courageous goalkeeping of Devika of Team Opal. The final table standing for Seniors is Champion Sapphire followed by Garnet, Jade and Opal.

Coach Thomas Ward giving instructions during break

The top of the table clash between Diamond against Ruby ended with Diamond crowned champions by winning three goals to nil. In the second match, Topaz revenged their previous defeat by beating Amethyst by two goals to nil. Diamonds are Premier Champions followed by Ruby, Amethyst and Topaz.

Diamond Vs Ruby Match
Coach Afif talking to Ruby players

After the girls completed the final games, the mum's and dad's futsal was played respectively. Three teams of seven players (5 players + 2 reserves) played each other in round robin format and the top two teams met in the finals. In the dad's final, the match between Alpha Fathers and Titans had to be decided by penalty shootout after the teams played to a goalless draw. Alpha Fathers outscored in the penalty shootout to emerge Champions.

Dads Champs Alpha Fathers with their medals and hamper

In the mum's futsal final, Team Red Starz overcame Alpha Mothers by two goals to nil. The Champions were rewarded with medals and hamper.

Mums Futsal match
Mums Champs Red Starz

Dr. Amin (Chairman SJSC), Glen, Azman & Dr.Nazir

The prize giving ceremony was held just after the mums and dads futsal. Dr. Amin, our SJCSC Chairman, gave his opening speech followed by presentation of medals and certificates for the league volunteers i.e. referees, webmaster, coaches, assistant coaches and team managers. The trophies for each player was given out by the respective coaches and team managers. Medals were also given to the Champion and Runners Up of each division. This was followed by presentation of the medals and hamper for the mums and dads futsal champions. Farouk, our SJCSC Coordinator, gave his closing speech to bring the curtains down for another season of girls futsal.

Trophies for each player
Dr. Amin giving opening speech
Dr. Amin presenting volunteer medal to Dave (webmaster)

Coach Larry giving the trophies to his charges Team Emerald
Majors Champion Citrine
Seniors Champion Sapphire
Premiers Champion Diamond
Farouk giving his closing speech

Champion Team Captains

Football family of Tun Kamalul

Everyone was treated with High Tea comprising of mee hoon with ikan bilis sambal, sausages, curry puff and fried chicken.
High Tea party
Makan-makan delicious food

On a personal note, Chitra and myself together with a small band of dedicated volunteers, were finally relieved that we managed to complete the league this year despite problems of lack of players and parents volunteers, and the threat of H1N1 epidemic. Special thanks to Mark and Ida, especially for organising the Mums and Dads futsal. A great appreciation for all those who volunteered as referees for the matches. Thanks to Dave for the SJCSC website updates. A special mention for my wife, Chitra, who worked tireless in the background organising the registration exercise, scorekeepers during the matches, players T-shirts, prizes and medals, and catering the High Tea etc. etc..

Thank you for the memories.

For more information visit us at http://www.sjcsc.com/

Photos of 2009 SJCGFL can be viewed at our photo album http://ksrajchitra.fotopic.net/