Write to the editor

With reference to GulfWeekly’s front page article headlined Master True Grit featuring schoolboy Shayaan Qureshi, who was described as an inspiration to his classmates with his never-say-never attitude despite being born without arms.

A year back I was amazed to watch little Shayaan zooming down the lane on his bicycle. It took me some time to get to terms with the fact that Shayaan uses his chest to maneuver the handlebars.
 
Curious, I began to ask my daughter about Shayaan. I eagerly looked forward to watch him cycle, swim or relax on the swimming pool deck chair whilst his parents and at times grandmother took a stroll alongside.

Soon Shayaan became a part of our lives unknown to him. My daughter excitedly keeps us informed of his achievements and determination. He draws and writes with ease exclaims my daughter. Mr Omer and Mrs Fadia have relentlessly been at Shayaan’s side motivating him.

Shayaan is a role model for me as he has taught me to be strong. Thank you Anasuya Kesavan for this thought provoking article. And thank you, Shayaan for guiding our family to live life with zest and determination.

Naina Devadas,
by email.

The furious energies of a six-a-side football tournament will come again to the Bahrain Rugby Club in Janabiyah on Friday, April 27.

The annual competition, staged by the Rotary Club of Manama, is being held to raise funds for the ongoing support of Bahraini children with diabetes.

There are likely to be 20 men’s teams and 16 ladies’ teams competing. Play will start at 9am and the final match will start at 2pm.

The men’s competition will include sponsored teams from BNL, Chevron, Intercol, Al Zayani Investments, Oasis Centre, BNP Paribas, Budget Rent A Car, Yateem Air-conditioning, GBM, Mesk Holdings, E K Kanoo, Bader Trading and Contracting, BIBF and RCSI Bahrain. Other local sides taking part include AC Jurassic, British Club, Dutch Lions and the Kick Off Academy.

The women’s competition includes teams from the Bahrain National Under-16s, Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain, St Christopher’s School, Eastern Flames, Desert Divas, Falcons, IKNS, RCSI, Kick Off Academy, Joga Bonito and the Supastars.

Last year’s event raised BD26,000 and helped to fund the purchase of a mobile unit to serve as a travelling counselling centre for children suffering from the disease.
 
This is being operated as a co-operative venture between the Bahrain Diabetes Society and Al Kindi Hospital.

The mobile unit visits schools and community centres to help educate children and their families on the treatment of diabetes and how to prevent the onset in children.

Funds raised at this year’s tournament will continue to support this vital work.

For more information email robert.timmers.office@gmail.com

Robert Timmers, chairman Rotary Six-a-side Organising Committee.

WHO does the film reviews for your newspaper now?

Since I started reading GulfWeekly I have always enjoyed the FilmWeekly section but now I am very confused. Usually Charlie Holding penned it but then came May Al Mousawi, then Charlie, then May again.

Although I sometimes disagreed with Charlie’s verdicts I really liked reading his reviews. But I also enjoyed last week’s review by May Al Mousawi and agreed with her popcorn verdict although, in my opinion, she didn’t say enough about the film plot.

I thought that it was very funny she liked Matt Damon’s performance as Charlie was always mentioning how much he disliked him.

Can you please tell me who is writing the review this week?
Fatima Ali, by email.

Editor’s note: Apologies for the confusion but Bahraini May is the newest member of the GulfWeekly editorial team and she will be cutting her teeth on the film review column from now on (although Charlie has promised to step in when she’s on holiday).
 
Check out her take on Midnight in Paris on Page 15.

Our Charlie will be continuing with his motoring reviews alongside more hard news and features – follow his holiday splash in TravelWeekly on Page 11.