PANAJI
Ave Maria Club joint founder Sebastian ‘Seby’ Mascarenhas, from Benaulim and based in Qatar, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of sporting excellence, community service and mentorship to generations of young athletes and underprivileged children in Salcete taluka.
Seby who was deeply committed to social causes, was a joint founder of the Ave Maria Club in Goa, an initiative dedicated to supporting underprivileged and marginalized boys from the streets of Khareband and across the Salcete region. Through the club, he helped create opportunities in sports and education for children who otherwise had limited access to such avenues.
Together with his brother Antonio “Tony” Mascarenhas, Seby played a significant role in promoting football among disadvantaged youth. Their efforts helped nurture young players who went on to represent several clubs, many of whom began their journey through Ave Maria and later participated in Goa Football Association (GFA) league competitions.
During his early years, Seby distinguished himself as an outstanding middle-distance runner, specialising in the 800 metres. Training at Juhu Sports Club under the respected athletics coach Bala Govind, Seby earned several accolades in Mumbai’s athletics circuit.
Athletics ran in the family. Seby often competed alongside his brother who was a national-level hurdler and athlete with the Income Tax Department.
Seby completed his matriculation at Antonio D’Souza High School (ANZA) in Byculla, Mumbai, before pursuing commerce studies at AP Commerce College in Mumbai.
“He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family, friends, and the many young people whose lives he helped shape,” said Benaulim’s social activist Santan Pereira.
