Mumbai Indians celebrated a resounding victory against Delhi Capitals in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on April 7 in Mumbai. Adding to the spectacle was the attendance of 18,000 children hailing from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the city. The occasion marked Mumbai Indians' Education and Sports for All (ESA) day, where thousands of enthusiastic young fans were welcomed to witness the cricket action while promoting the values of education and sports accessibility for all.
The highlight of the occasion was the inspiring messages shared by Mumbai Indians team owner Nita Ambani and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Nita Ambani, who is also the driving force behind the ESA initiative, took the opportunity to interact with the children in the stands, spreading positivity and encouragement.
Expressing her delight at the children's participation, Nita Ambani emphasized the importance of sport as a platform for talent from all backgrounds. Reflecting on the potential of the young children, Nita Ambani expressed her hope for them to embrace their dreams with determination.
Speaking about the significance of ESA, Nita Ambani said, “The children are bringing so much positivity and joy to the stadium. 18000 children are in the stands today from different NGOs. I believe that sport does not discriminate and talent can come from anywhere. Maybe one of these kids will reach the pinnacle of sport and I hope they take back a lot of cherished memories from this experience and the power and courage to believe in their dreams.”
Nita Ambani talked about the invaluable lessons that sports impart. She underscored the widespread reach of the ESA initiative, which has touched the lives of over 22 million children across India, providing them with opportunities for growth and empowerment.
“We started ESA 14 years ago and it has reached out to 22 million children across India. As Sachin says, I believe every child should have a right to play and a right to education. Children learn as much on the playground as they learn in the classrooms. Sports teaches them so many things like discipline and hard work and more than anything how to take wins and losses in their stride. ESA opens the doors to millions of opportunities for these young children from the remotest villages and towns of India,” Nita Ambani said.
Nita Ambani also said the game was one that everybody looked forward to the most with the players really cherishing the opportunity to play in front of passionate kids. “It’s the favourite game of the players, the staff and the coaches. We look forward to this day with a lot of enthusiasm,” she concluded.
Sachin Tendulkar, who is also Mumbai Indians' icon, reminisced about his own early experiences in the stadium, and exphasised on the impact of Nita Ambani's vision in providing life-changing experiences for children. He praised the initiative for fostering positivity and expressed his belief in the transformative power of sports and education in shaping a better future.
“This is what the players long for: positivity. That is what I have experienced year after year and it has gotten better and better. For me, children are the future. If we want a better tomorrow, we need to act today. The Reliance Foundation, under Mrs Ambani’s guidance has given opportunities to so many children across the globe. I hope she continues to do that in the field of education as well as sport,” Tendulkar said.
ESA: Mumbai Indians' decade-long commitment to inclusive education and sports
Education and Sports for All (ESA), since its establishment in 2010, has been integral to Mumbai Indians' mission of nurturing young talent and fostering inclusivity. The initiative, championed by the team and supported by Reliance Foundation, aims to empower children from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
Under the guiding principle of 'We Care', Reliance Foundation's sports chapter has positively impacted over 22 million children across India through various educational and sports activities.
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