Imagine a sexagenarian willing to spend his energy levels on giving something back to a sport to which he is not the most closely attached. Carlton Gomez is 64 years old, but “sport is in his blood”, he says. During his younger days, Gomez played hockey from the Indian Railways. He was also a coach of the Indian floor hockey team for the Special Olympics world winter games in South Korea in 2013.
So, how has he come to enthusiastically lend his helping hand to the biggest footballing event in his own country?
“Interest in football is always there for me. I love to be involved in all kinds of sports. I go to the senior citizen sports meet. In Margao, every evening I’m on the ground there, walking and doing exercises,” says the lively Gomez, whose inclination towards volunteering in this year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup came about because of his urge to dedicate his life to sports.
The FIFA Under-17 World Cup is to be held from the 6th of October to the 28th of October this year across six venues in India. The age-group tournament will see an Indian football team participate in a FIFA tournament for the first time ever.
Therefore, it’s a privilege to be part of the gala event which, at 64, someone like Gomez can’t afford to miss.
“Football catches on like wildfire. The Under-17 World Cup will capture the imaginations of people across the country.”
Gomez is actively involved in promoting and educating sports in special schools — schools for handicapped and mentally challenged children. Hence, his penchant for volunteering comes as no surprise.
The Volunteer Program for the Under-17 World Cup has met fervent response. The program entertained one application every ten seconds in the opening 24 hours of going live. People — young and old alike — are eagerly awaiting the FIFA age-group tournament later this year, as evidenced by the response received by the Volunteer Program.
“I volunteered in many other things. Even after retirement, I am active in many other sports. I go to special schools; I still teach them floor hockey, football in special schools to children.
“I’m involved, always; the sports blood will not leave you,” Gomez adds.
His perspective on football in India is also an interesting one, suggesting that there is much room for improvement in Indian football. With the Under-17 World Cup around the corner, Gomez believes the tournament will help grow football in India.
“Unless there are more tournaments; unless the bodies go down to the grassroots level; unless the focus shifts from the big towns to the smaller towns, football in India has room for improvement. There are so many talents across the country that need to be spotted; the World Cup will do Indian football the world of good.”
Like the other volunteers for the Under-17 World Cup, Gomez is full of energy, despite being a senior citizen. Sport, he believes, brings people together, and he is always on hand to help grow any sport in India.
“I like lending a helping hand to any sport.”
As an entire nation looks forward with excitement to the Under-17 World Cup, Gomez will play his part in making the event a success for India, both on the pitch and off it.
