PANAJI
The Kings School (TKS) have reached out to lend a helping hand to former international footballer turned coach Mario Soares, who is fighting a battle with cancer.
The management of the Sao Jose De Areal based school got in touch with the wife of the Chinchinim-based Soares after coming across a report in The Goan dated September 24 “Former footballer Mario Soares diagnosed with cancer needs help.”
“One of our staff members contacted her (Mario’s wife) on the numbers provided in the appeal and requested her to come to the school so we could offer assistance and support,” said Melvin Pereira, Chairman of The Kings School.
A cheque of Rs.60,000 was handed over to Mrs Soares recently.
Soares started his professional football journey with Salcete Football Club and thereafter Salgaocar SC, Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers. At Salgaocar, he scored the winning goal in extra-time against Border Security Force as Salgaocar won the Federation Cup in 1988 with a 1-0 scoreline. Soares also represented Goa in the Santosh Trophy and captained the state.
Soares also represented India Under-23 team and the Indian senior team. At the under-23 level, he scored the only goal for India in their draw to Oman U23 level during the 1992 Summer Olympics qualifiers. He also went on to represent India at the senior level.
As a coach, he worked with Salgaocar SC and Churchill Brothers.
Supporting and helping cancer patients is part of the culture of the school management. The school has had in the past raised funds and supported children with cancer.
“As a school, for the last 12 years, we have been supporting children with cancer and have adopted the Cancer Paediatric ward at GMC and improved their internal infrastructure facilities like washrooms, hot water, air conditioning, washing machine, TV, water filters, etc.,” informed Pereira.
The school has also supported some needy adults who are in need of financial support towards the treatment of cancer and also decided to support Mario in his hour of need.
“The funds are raised by our students and staff members and school parents through various activities we regularly organize during the academic year,” he added.
This has also greatly helped to raise cancer awareness and to teach students and ourselves to live our lives in a way that cares for others.
Besides, Melvin Pereira, TKS Chairman and Ligia Pereira, TKS Director, others present to hand over the cheque to Mrs Soares were Neshwin Almeida, Teacher at The King’s School, Tanuja V N Dessai, TKS Principal and Cristian Roldan, TKS Sports Director.
