Web: SwaminarayanGadi.com Email: smile@SwaminarayanGadi.com Address: Shree Swaminarayan Temple London, 847 Finchley Road, Golders Green,

NW11 8LX (UK)

SMILE: SPORTS AND MUMBAI SPECIAL Inspirator: His Divine Holiness Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj

Issue 5: Sunday, 12 May 2007

Vikram Samvat: Vaishak Vad 10, 2063

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree opens the Mumbai festival of Unity and Compassion from a beautifully decorated horse drawn carriage.

A warm welcome to this special edition of Smile.

It’s special because we have a lot of information to relay to the younger community members with respect to the Mandir’s sporting activities.

It’s special also because we’ve taken the opportunity to report on the hugely successful

Mumbai ’Festival of Unity and Compassion’. Held in the heart of Mumbai, the festival was televised live to millions all over Asia and culminated in a brilliant extravaganza of patriotism and religious unity at one of India’s most celebrated landmarks—the Gateway of India.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue.

HDH Swamishree watches dancers portraying Shiva and Parvati performing with live Snakes during ‘Bhakti Bhari Mumbai ki Shaam’

Mumbai April 6-8 2007 Right: Devotees in Mumbai perform a celebratory dance to open the festival of unity and compassion. Over 40 people took part in this choreographed event including both boys and girls (at rear). Below: Sants of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi are first to offer their blood at the donation camp.

Above: Flamboyant procession. Nagaryatra embarks onto Marine Drive Mumbai while rose petals are dropped by helicopter. The route was four miles long and walked in a sweltering 38 degrees of heat.

Left: Sants and devotees from London stage a patriotic song and dance display on the final night of the festival. The stage was erected in front of one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, The Gateway of India shown above.

Above Left: Early morning celebrations at Mumbai Mandir. Above: HDH Acharya Swamishree showers American diamonds over the Murti of Ghanshyam Maharaj

SHREE MUKTAJEEVAN PIPE BAND IS REGALED IN INDIAN PRESS

The 2006 cricket season saw Swamibapa CC 1st XI finish second in the Trailfinders Division 4, this was their highest finish on record.

For the 2007 season SCC have been promoted to the third division. This division will see them play against teams such as SKLP, Ploughmans and Old Michedians to name a few.

Speaking to the 1st XI captain Nitin Khockrai I asked what preparations had been made for this season. This is what he had to say:

“We have all been working hard in the nets and we have also started outdoor practices. We are hoping to improve on last years league positions for all three of our teams. With the experience gained, and the new players we have coming in, we should be able to do this.

“Support from friends and family and the mandir members in general is very crucial at these games. If you’re free on a Saturday afternoon, check the fixtures and come and see us play. Our home grounds are all close to Hendon.” Swamibapa CC play on Saturdays from 1pm to about 7pm.”

All of the results from each game can be found on www.SwamibapaCC.com. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive updates please send an email to info@swamibapacc.com enclosing your name, age and location.

All that remains is for us to wish:

Good luck to all three teams for the coming season!

1st Team / 2nd Team Home Ground

Copthall Playing Fields Great North Way, Hendon

NW4

3rd Team Home Ground

West Hendon Playing Fields, Goldsmith Avenue, Hendon NW9

Swamibapa Cricket Club—London

Ground Addresses

S.K.L.P, SKLP Community Centre, West End Road, Northolt, UB3 6RF Polytechnic, Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground, Cavendish Road, Chiswick

Tamil United, Northwick Park, Wembley Ploughmans, Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, Acton, W3 8LQ G.W.R, Trailfinders Sports Club, Vallis Way, Ealing, W13 0DD Old Minchendenians, Bramley Road, Southgate, London, N14 West Harrow, Headstone Manor, Headstone Lane, North Harrow South Harrow, Roxeth Recreational Ground, Eastcote Lane, South Harrow, Middx New Calypsonians, World End Lane, Winchmore Hill, N21 Glaxo, Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, Middx C.R.S Cardinals, Chandos Recreation Ground, Camrose Avenue, Edgware

Hayes, The Green, Wood End, Hayes

Ruislip, Kings College Road, Ruislip, Middx Peshwa, North Acton Playing Fields, Noel Road, Acton, W.3 Lohana, Mill Hill Sports Club, Grahame Park Way, Mill Hill, NW7 2AL Hornsey, St Aloysius School Sports Ground, Hurst Avenue, London N6 Ealing Bridges, T.V.U Grounds, Pitshanger Park, Argyle Road, Ealing, W5 Barnet B’s, The Woodside Park Club, Southover, Woodside Park, N12 7JG Indian Gymkhana, Warren Farm Sports Ground, Windmill Lane, Southall, UB2 4NE Osterley, Pitch 3 Wareen Farm, Windmill Lane, Southall Brentham, Harrow Cricket Club, Payness Folly, Wood End Road, Harrow, HA1 3PP North Middx, Winchmore Hill CC, The Paulin Ground, Fords Grove, Winchmore Hill, N21 3ER

Swamibapa Cricket Club—London Fixtures

1st XI 12-05 Ploughmans V Swamibapa 19-05 Swamibapa V Old Minch 26-05 Swamibapa V West Harrow 2-06 Tamil Utd V Swamibapa 9-06 Swamibapa V South Harrow

16-06 Polytechnic V Swamibapa 23-06 Swamibapa V G.W.R 30-06 New Calyps V Swamibapa 7-07 Swamibapa V S.K.L.P

14-07 Swamibapa V Ploughmans 21-07 Old Minch V Swamibapa 28-07 West Harrow V Swamibapa 4-08 Swamibapa V Tamil Utd

11-08 South Harrow V Swamibapa. 18-08 Swamibapa V Polytechnic 25-08 G.W.R V Swamibapa

01-09 Swamibapa V New Calyps 08-09 S.K.L.P V Swamibapa

2nd XI Swamibapa V CRS Cardinals

Ruislip V Swamibapa

Lohana V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Hayes

South Harrow V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Polytechnic

Glaxo V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Peshwa

S.K.L.P V Swamibapa

CRS Cardinals V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Ruislip

Swamibapa V Lohana

Hayes V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V South Harrow

Polytechnic V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Glaxo

Peshwa V Swamibapa Swamibapa V S.K.L.P

3rd XI Barnet B’s V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Hornsey

Brentham V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Indian Gymkhana

North Middx V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Osterley

CUP Ealing V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V North Middx

Swamibapa V Barnet B’s

Hornsey V Swamibapa

CUP SEMI FINAL (away)

Indian Gymkhana V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Brentham

Osterley V Swamibapa

Swamibapa V Ealing Bridges

CUP FINAL

Early one Saturday morning, before the crows had even started to crow, 18 cricketers made their way to Hendon Central. They were about to embark on a unique sporting journey to Bolton. This was to be the first time that Swamibapa CC (London) were playing Swamibapa CC (Bolton). Never done before, this was a fitting event to unite with our friends ‘up north’ in the centenary year of our beloved Swamibapa’s manifestion.

The coach journey was deathly quiet, most of the players were in deep sleep. “I thought I was in a graveyard” said Veeru, the coach driver from Imperial coaches. “Even when I played the music at full blast nobody got up. They only started to stir from their slumber after we passed Manchester. It must have been something in the air, we had after all just passed a farm!”

Upon arrival in Bolton all the players went into the Mandir and did darshan. After receiving some directions from Shashi Pindoria (SCC - Bolton 2nd XI Captain) the team proceeded to the cricket ground. After the long ride, the Londoners were impatient to get playing. Each time the coach passed a ground someone would shout “are we here yet?”

Jaws dropped as the players arrived at the ground. “Are we playing football...?”

Nitin Khokhrai and Ketan Rabadia inspect the pitch. “Hmmm...Just not cricket is it?”

Two 20 over matches were planned for the day. SCC - London 1st XI vs SCC - Bolton 1st XI was played first. Captains Nitin Khokhrai (London)

and Harshad Sangani (Bolton) went onto the field for the toss. London ended up batting first.

Suri Varsani of SCC - Bolton opened the bowling. SCC - London had never played 20 20 before and it showed. The pitch wasn't helping the batsmen. Balls stayed low or bounced high.

The openers struggled. After 6 overs the score stood at 30 for no wicket. Then the break through; Nitin Patel was run out, and almost straight away Suri

Varsani’s bowling broke Mahesh’s bat into two pieces. Mahesh wasn't best pleased. The batting collapsed thereafter with only Nitin Khokhrai offering some resitance with 24 runs. London finished at 102 for 8.

Bolton also had problems with the pitch. The ball was unpredictable, but skipper Harshad Sangani magnificently dealt with the uneven bounce. Several sixes later, Harshad was getting stuck in. It took a good catch from wicket keeper Paresh Kerai to remove Harivadan Vekaria and then Suri Bhojani a few balls later. Harshad was still hitting

Swamibapa Cricket Club Bolton Tour—April 2007

Swamibapa Cricket Club Bolton Tour—April 2007

runs and it was only after a brilliant catch at square leg that SCC - London saw some respite. Bolton’s next batsman Uttam dashed alls hopes straight away as he picked up where Harshad had left off. It wasn't long before SCC - Bolton had reached their target. The final score was 104 for 6 in 19.3 overs. First game to SCC - Bolton.

The 2nd Elevens of each side played their match after Lunch. The captain of SCC - Bolton 2nd 2ndXI - Shashi Pindoria, and SCC - London 2nd XI - Kamlesh Varsani took to the field for the toss. Bolton won the toss and decided to bat first.

After a grey start, just as the first ball was bowled the sun came out. Again the pitch played a massive part in the proceedings. Bolton Started slowly but soon raced away to 104 for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Top scorers were Nilesh with 22 and Bhavesh with 18.

Swamibapa CC - London took to the field needing just over 5 runs per over. Confidence was high and the first ball of the innings was bowled by Alpesh. Hershil, in true 20 20 fashion went for a

slog and succeeded in being caught out. 1 ball, 1 wicket, 0 runs. Ketan Rabadia stepped up to the crease. Alongside Turshar Rabadia they put on a

partnership of 26 before a mix up between the pair led to a run out. The next two batsmen didn't really trouble the scorers and the visitors sensed a bit of déjà vu.

However, Paresh Kerai then began an onslaught and put the bowlers to the sword. In true Michael Clarke style he placed the ball all around the ground and SCC London could finally glimpse victory. Things seemed to be going well until a dubious shout for LBW against Paresh (who was on 37) was given out. Boos and hisses rang around the ground. Some even suspected the umpire had been bribed? London players claimed that this decision wouldn't have even gone to Hawkeye had Billy Bowden been umpiring.

Still what’s done is done and it’s only cricket to play on against all these odds. Unfortunately the batting collapsed completely thereafter. SCC - London were all out for 102 within a few overs. Bolton reigned supreme but the visitors vowed to reclaim respect in the return series which will be held in London at the end of Summer.

Swamibapa Cricket Club Committee London would like to thank SCC - Bolton for their hospitality and the Bolton Maharaj for the great feast he provided for everyone during the day.

Swamibapa Cricket Club Bolton Tour—April 2007

Harivadan in full flight (Above) Some of the spectators (above)

Kausik - Champion Laser Quest Shooter

Harshad playing a classic stoke

The Tour Party outside the Trafford Centre

Swamibapa Cricket Club—Bolton Fixtures

Swamibapa Cricket Club—Bolton

Bolton Cosmopolitan Cricket League - 2007 Fixtures

1st XI 2nd XI

03-05 Ghosia Trotters V SCC @ Deane and Derby SCC v CM Autosprays @ Heaton 10-05 SCC v SSY- Venue- Eagley 16-05 SCC v swamibapa A @ Bolton Indians 24-05 Yourtravelshop.com v SCC @ Kearsley Bolton Hospitals v SCC @ Deane and Derby

31-05 SCC v Solutions Trade Frame @ Farnworth SCC v Yourtravelshop.com @ Deane and Derby 06-06 Bolton Hospitals v SCC @ Blackrod 07-06 Ghosia Trotters v SCC @ Deane and Derby 14-06 Provincal v SCC @ Farnworth Social Circle SSY V SCC @ Deane and Derby 21-06 SCC V Provincal @ Kearsley 27-06 Cm Autosprays v SCC @ Blackrod 28-06 SCC v Solutions Trade Frame @ Farnworth 5-07 SCC V Ghosia Trotters @ Deane and Derby CM Autosprays v SCC @ Heaton 12-07 SSY V SCC @ Eagley 19-07 Swamibapa A v Swamibapa B @ Eagley

25-07 SCC v Yourtravelshop.com @ Bolton Indians 26-07 SCC v Bolton Hospitals @ Bolton Indians 2-08 Solutions Trade Form v SCC @ Farnworth Yourtravelshop,com v SCC @ Eagley 8-08 SCC v Bolton Hospitals @ Blackrod 9-08 SCC v Ghosia Trotters @ Farnworth 16-08 SCC v Provincal @ Kearsley SCC v SSY @ Deane and Derby 23-08 Provincial v SCC @ Farnworth Social Circle 29-08 SCC v CM Autosprays @ Blackrod 30-08 Solutions Trade Frame v SCC @ Farnworth

Home team is listed first in the fixtures

Swamibapa Cricket Club—Bolton was established in 2004, when they joined the Cosmopolitan 20 20 Cricket League. Lead by skipper Shashi Pindoria they out played most of their opponents and secured 3rd position in the League. The following season Swamibapa CC managed to better their previous league finishing and narrowly missed out on winning the league. In 2006, the membership grew and the demand was in place for a second team. For the first time two elevens were entered into the league. Both teams performed well and the 1st XI finished joint 2nd in the League and the 2nd XI finished 7th. Other notable successes in the 2006 season were that Swamibapa CC won the Supplementary Cup Competition, also the League awarded Nilesh Kerai the best batsman award, best bowler to Rasik Varsani, and Swamibapa 1st XI broke an 19 year old League Record for the highest runs scored in one match—254. This season the captain of the 1st XI is Harshad Sanghani and the captain of the 2nd XI is Shashi Pindoria.

If you would like to join Swamibapa CC — Bolton please see Shashi Pindoria.

REBUS

H M R L E D T T E T M I Y X Y A P I S R F D E F H H N S S T E P E S E G M I O K E G E E C I H L G L S P N J L U C M E E P G M H R I T N L S R S N J M D Z X H T G N L H I I G N I I X Z I B S E T A E V P E D T A P D P A L S B A S S T I L L U A Q S D Y N I Z I A M I P C N D S A B O E U O J G N A S V J Z X S E N C R H H N T S J K R K W H T T E L L I A Y U A T G K U U W R A T N K T J Q F N P R H M B S V K S O E Q Z G L M X O M P R E C Y A X L H E M H H F A D R Y L L A R L I I P O Q S I R S A E H B A A G M O P T P T P N W A R S L F R Z W A A E M F T E F L Y I C G E V I R D E N I R A M A L E V I U Q F A O I E R T N P P Q I P E L P E T G C B R K T I A S D U O W W H B G S E S O R

The following words will be familiar to those who visited the Mumbai festival. Try finding them in the word search puzzle on the left.

Mumbai

Islam Gymkhana

Mahalaxmi

Gateway of India

Marine Drive

Rally,

Chowpatti

Operahouse

Sukhsagar

Chira Bazar.

Mumbai Wordsearch

MINDBENDING FUN SAMURAI SUDOKU

Difficulty: Moderate

Samurai Sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard Sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty cell. Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box should contain one of each digit.

sessions since they first began and is the star shooter of the team explained, ‘It was the successful annual netball tournament that inspired players to start weekly netball sessions. What started off as a mere

suggestion by many, including myself has now put the name of Swamibapa Netball Team in the Queensmead Netball League!

I clearly remember having a conversation with some of the organizers when the sessions first started and sceptically questioning how long these sessions could possibly last. I admit it…I was absolutely wrong. It is amazing to see that after a year and a half players, (well most of them anyway!) are still committed to training, and the weekly turnout is great. We have some really talented players within our community and these talents have excelled through the training, which is provided by Jaz, Shila and Disha. Let’s hope one day we make it to the premier division of the league!’

Training sessions run every Sunday from 10am-12pm and all are welcome. Further information can be obtained from Jayshree Bhudia, Vasanti Pindolia or Jaz Rabadia.

Swamibapa Netball Club

Soon after the success of the first ever Ladies Netball Tournament in December 2003, Swamibapa Netball Club was established. It all began as a group of 10 girls trying to play a 14 player game, now Swamibapa Netball Club has over 25 participants ranging in age from 11 – 40+ who receive coaching every week by newly qualified coach, Jaz Rabadia. ‘The ideas of the sessions are to incorporate fun activities, to develop players’ fitness levels, ball skills and knowledge of the game’ emphasises Jaz. ‘Players range in age, height and ability, but sessions are designed to cater for those newly exposed to the game, as well as players with years of experience.’

The club has been running for well over a year now and is by far at its most exciting stage yet. It has successfully joined the Queensmead Netball League where it will be competing in umpired hour long matches throughout the summer.

Hina Vekria, team captain explains, ‘The girls thoroughly enjoy training sessions and decided as a team to enter the league. Our original thought was that we could not play at such a competitive level but after playing a friendly match against another local team and drawing 12-12, we soon gained the confidence that was required. Although we lost our first match in the league, it was good fun, challenging (and very cold!). There was great support from family and friends and we hope they cheer us on till the end.’

Pretal Varsani, who has been attending

Swamibapa Netball Club - Fixtures

Queensmead - Netball League Division 3 Fixtures

ROUND DATE TIME COURT 1 / COURT 2

2 26 April07 8.45 Riverside Rockets v SWAMIBAPA

4 10 -05-07 7.30 IBB Law v SWAMIBAPA

5 17 -05-07 8.45 Tiny giants Shakers v SWAMIBAPA

7 31 -05-07 7.30 Comunica v SWAMIBAPA

8 7 -06-07 7.30 IBB Law v SWAMIBAPA

10 21 -06-07 8.45 IKB7 v SWAMIBAPA

13 12 -07-07 8.45 Riverside Rockets v SWAMIBAPA

14 19 -07-07 8.45 IBB Law v SWAMIBAPA

16 2 -08-07 7.30 Tiny giants Shakers v SWAMIBAPA

18 16 -08-07 8.45 Comunica v SWAMIBAPA

19 23 -08-07 7.30 Specials v SWAMIBAPA

20 30 -08-07 7.30 IKB7 v SWAMIBAPA

All Games will be played at: Queensmead Sports Centre, Victoria Road, South Ruislip

The results will be posted online at

http://www.queensmeadnetballleague.co.uk/

Please come and support the girls.

Daytona Challenge 2007

Swamibapa Cricket Club have limited tickets available for the 2nd Test Match between England and India (Day 4 - Monday 30th July). This is a family day out, and a chance for children to experience cricket live at one of the countries premier cricket venues. Price below includes Coach, food and drink and entry to the ground.

£20 for Children 13 or Under (boys or girls) - £35 for Students / Adults

DEPARTURE FROM MANDIR : Sunday 15th July @ 15.00

COST : £65 per person (Inc Coach & Food) VENUE : DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

The event is only open to male participants over 16, Contact SURI DABASIA, DINESH BHUDIA or NARENDRA VARSANI

to reserve your place.

UPCOMING EVENTS

England Vs India @ Trent Bridge (Nottingham)

LCCA - World Cup (Lords) - Monday 6th August The 3rd Annual Inter City World Cup is taking place at Lords (the home of cricket). This year Swamibapa CC will be representing the Kenya team. If you would like to take part, and you are under 17 years of age please speak to Madhu Mepani, Nitin Khochrai, or send an email to info@swamibapacc.com You do not have to be a member of Swamibapa CC to play.

This year Swamibapa Football Club will be entering three teams into the Annual SKLPC Outdoor 5 a side Football Tournament on Sunday 1st July.

The SKLPC tournament is the biggest Kanbi football tournament in the UK. Teams come from far and wide to participate in the tournament. SKLPC have competitions for adults, under 16s and ladies/girls. Each team is allowed between two and three substitutes. The games last 8 minutes and they are played on grass. The usual 5 a side rules apply.

In October 2006 Shree Muktajeevan Sports Academy

started football training for Ladies/girls on Monday evenings at Whitefields School. Up to eighteen turn up regularly for training. Some come just to have fun and play football with their friends and some come to play competitive football. The girls have made a lot of progress in the last nine months and as a result they will be entering ladies team in the SKLP 5-aside tournament in July for the first time.

The guys will be entering two teams, one for the adults and one for the U16s. If you would like to play in the adult team please see Navin Kabaria or Mukesh Bhanderi asap. Training for the tournament will start on Monday 21st May.

SWAMIBAPA FOOTBALL CLUB SKLPC TOURNAMENT

BOLTON FC - LADIES / GIRLS SKLPC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Girls football in Bolton mandir started in September 2004 where young children played football amongst themselves.

Gradually, girls from all age groups started joining the team. The group was formed on the basis of being a bit of fun, laughter and a kick around, nothing too serious. Weekly sessions were held.

By April 2005 the girls had become very enthusiastic and dedicated most of their time to football. The lads from Bolton had mentioned the Northolt SKLPC tournament in London (which they took part in every year) were also holding a Girls Tournament. The girls got very excited and decided they wanted to experience the atmosphere of playing in a match. They started to train on Queens Park in Bolton on a daily basis. Shashi Pindoria and Vinod Bhudia assisted us with the training. We entered 2 teams for the Samaj tournament and surprisingly got to the semi finals.

We became very excited and anxious to develop more drills, skills and tactics, so we got into touch with a professional coach, Chris Bates of Bolton Wanderers FC, taught us all the basic beginners’ skills.

On Mondays between 8.00pm-to 9.30pm they train with a coach who assists them in building stamina and confidence. They also have further group training on Wednesdays. In between all this training they joined a local girl’s football league. This was a very good experience and they hope to take part in the league again in the winter.

The team is one of the first Asian girl’s football team which is very rare for Bolton, and as a result they have had a lot of publicity from the local newspapers and radio stations. As the publicity around the team has grown there has been enormous interest from local girl’s wishing to become members of the team. They hope to play against more girls and in more tournaments in the future.

In July 2006 we entered the SKLP tournament again. 8 teams played. We reached the finals and won!

Currently they are being coached football with 2 different coaches from the Ambassadors Group; they are helping them gain more knowledge and skills of football. They hope to come to London again in the summer and play in the SKLPC tournament, this year they will be joined by the London team who will be debuting in the competition.

Best of luck to all the teams taking part…..

FOOTBALL COACHING

Football training for juniors is now in its fifth year. Up to twenty boys take part on Saturday mornings. They must love playing football as they turn up to every session come rain or shine. The training is aimed at developing team awareness, fitness and most of all being fun.

The Shree Muktajeevan Sports Academy is fortunate to have several Football Association accredited coaches who are dedicated to help and support youngsters achieve whatever aims they may have in the sport. To enhance this further the under 10’s have been entered into the FA soccer star challenge, where they will learn and develop six basic skills that are necessary in football. Famous football stars who took part in the soccer star challenge includes the likes of Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney to name a few. Could one of our kids be the next Stevie G ?

Swamibapa FC holds training sessions for boys and girls from the age of six to eighteen. These sessions take place at JFS School in Kingsbury. However From the end of May, we will be moving to Hendon Park so that they are able to train on grass and get some practice for the SKLP 5-aside tournament, which we will be entering in July. After having read this and you are interested in taking part come and join us and drag your parents along I’m sure they all could do with losing a few pounds.

VOLLEYBALL Swamibapa VolleyBall Club start off in December 2005. Since then it has grown from 10 players into a massive group of 28. Traditional Volleyball is played on a standard court. Players are only allowed to hit the ball once. (In Beach Volleyball you can hit the ball three times) The only exception is if it hits the net where you get to hit the ball twice. The sessions run every Sunday at JFS (Kingsbury) from 12pm - 2pm.

Volleyball is a team game where weak players often get caught out!

However at this level competitiveness doesn't take priority. “The main objective is to have fun” says Narendra Varsani (one of the organisers) “Guys get together and player in a safe environment. We have played in a few matches against other teams and the ambition is to enter a league.”

If you would like to find out what the game is all about or if you have played before and would like to play then speak to either Ketan Rabadia or Narendra Varsani.

You need to be over 16 to attend, there is no maximum age.

BADMINTON Swamibapa badminton club began in June 2006 with 6 members and now has about 30 members regularly playing at least once a week.

We started playing at Hendon Leisure centre on Wednesday evenings. With rapid growth in the number, we moved to Jewish Free School in Kingsbury to accommodate everyone. We play there on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. However, there are a few who still play at Hendon Leisure centre.

Swamibapa badminton club can help you relieve the pressures of work, vent your commuter frustrations, and allow you to reward yourself with some personal time.

We try to have fun at Swamibapa badminton club all in good spirit of the game. As mentioned earlier we have players of all ranges and skills. The youngest member is 16 and the oldest is well past his 50th. So whoever you are, don’t think you are done playing sports.

At the moment the minimum age requirement at this club is 16, however, after becoming a full member of Badminton England, the club will legally be able to accommodate younger players. The club is not authorised to let anyone under the age of 16, play without being supervised by an accompanying adult.

The club is on the verge of starting an internal league and maybe even arrange friendly matches with other clubs. All this is to see what kind of standard we have at our club so that we can then join a local league.

At the moment, Thursday sessions are full and Wednesday sessions are nearly full; and so the club is looking to hire JFS on Fridays for any new members that wish to start playing.

Like most other sports, the most important thing in badminton is to come out and enjoy. So get a racket and have fun.

For more information please see Mahesh Varsani - 07984 000978

SPORTS COACHING One of aims of Shree Muktajeevan Sports Academy (SMSA) is to help children develop person skills through sports. To encourage children to participate in various different sports and receive coaching to better themselves, the academy has looked towards ensuring that we have coaches trained within our organisation. These coaches are affiliated with the FA, the ECB and the England Netball.

So far we have coaches trained in Football, Cricket and Netball. We hope to increase this list and further and get more coaches trained up to level 2. All coaches are trained in Emergency Aid and Child Welfare / Protection.

Cricket Coaches

Chandra Hirani - Level 2

Madhu Mepani - Level 2

Mukesh Rabadia - Level 1

Football Coaches

Alpesh Varsani - Level 1

Gopal Patel - Level 1

Jayanti Patel - Level 1

Mukesh Rabadia - Level 1

Rajni Varsani - Level 1

Varsha Hira - Level 1

Vasudev Khimani - Level 1

Vina Bhabhani - Level 1

Netball Coach

Jaz Rabadia - Level 1

If you would like to help out at coaching sessions or would like to find out about becoming a coach please see Gopal Patel. There are grants available which mean that you may not have to pay to get your qualification.

TOURNAMENTS & YOUTH CLUB

OPEN DAY 2006 on 25th December 2006 raised approximately £900.

Part of the money raised has been used to buy a slate pool table. Thanks to Bhavin N. Kabaria for a £200 donation towards the final cost. The table is free for children to use during youth club on Sundays between 2pm and 5pm and on Saturdays from 2pm and 4pm. Outside these times anyone can use the pool table. The table tennis table and the dart boards are also available for anyone to use during any evening or week-end (outside sabha times!)

Summer Tournaments in Darts, Pool and Table Tennis will be running from May 2007. There will be separate competitions for Adults and U18s. If you would like to take part please see Shailesh or Chandu.

Closing date for the draw is 20th May 07.

Finals will be held on Sunday 22nd July 2007 after Mandir in the back hall.

5 ASIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The Summer 5 a side football Tournament will take place at JFS School, The Mall on Sunday 10th June at 12.30am. If you would like to play then please see

Navin Kabaria (Adults)

Gopal Patel (U16)

Jaz Rabadia (Ladies/girls)

It will be played on the Astro Turf Pitch so please wear the correct boots and track-suits.

Yoga Classes

Yoga Classes have been running for three months—They run every Saturday from 10am—11am in the main mandir. Yoga is taught by a professional yoga instructor. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend. No previous experience is required.

Contact SMSA

If you would like to make any suggestions for how we can improve the sporting activi-ties please email the Shree Muktajeevan Sports Academy on sportsgrp.london@swaminarayangadi.com

If you won a tournament between 1990 and 2004 we need to hear from you. We are in the process of updating the winners boards and we need all the winners names. Please see Sailesh Pindoria or Chandu Rabadia if you were the singles or doubles champion in Darts, Tables Tennis or Pool in between these times…

STOP PRESS

THANK YOU Most of the activities that take place in the Sports Academy and in the London Mandir are sponsored by various individuals and companies. These are the unsung heroes who keep

costs down for all the participants and help us grow as a community. We would like to thank the Mandir main committee, the parents, the participants and all individuals and

companies who support us.

In no particar order, our sincere appreciation and thanks to…

KEGOP

We hope we can continue to rely on your support for the future.