As part of it ‘Education For All’ initiative, Mumbai Indians on Saturday played host to over 19000 underprivileged children at the historic Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai Indians first home tie for the IPL 2014 wasn’t just a match but a dedication of the team’s spirit towards ’Education For All’ and a beacon of hope for every underprivileged child.
It was indeed a breath-taking sight at the Wankhede where these children between 7 to 15 years age group had gathered having fun and excitement watching their favourite cricketers play live, and the special entertainment organised for them at the stadium.
The Mumbai Indians ‘Education For All’ initiative has gained momentum of a national campaign in support of equal and meaningful education for the underprivileged children in our society. The gathering of over 19,000 underprivileged children at the Stadium stood testimony to Mumbai Indians belief and strong commitment in support of this cause, according to a Mumbai Indian press release.
Led by Nita Ambani, a passionate advocate for the cause of education, the Education for All initiative partners with various city based NGOs engaged and has been able to reach out to over 50,000 underprivileged children over the last five years.
“Education has been very close to my heart and I strongly believe that our real victory is when every child in India gets equal and meaningful education. Today is a special day for all of us at Mumbai Indians as we are playing in support of not just these 19000 underprivileged children present here at the stadium, but millions across the country,” said Nita Ambani.
“We are thankful to our global fans, it’s in their strength and support we recognized the Mumbai Indians potential of enhancing awareness about this compelling social issue. Every Mumbai Indians player and support staff is a passionate believer in this initiative and committed to spread the message of ‘Education For All’,” Nita Ambani said.
Over 425 BEST and private buses were deployed along with 2000 volunteers and one lakh food boxes were provided to make it a memorable day for these children.
Earlier this year, Mumbai Indians had flown nine underprivileged children to Dubai during the IPL’s UAE leg, as part of the first step for this season’s initiative.
The ‘Education for All’ initiative has been able to meaningfully impact over 50,000 underprivileged children from various NGOs engaged in supporting and imparting life skills to their respective wards.
Mumbai Indians had invited 9,000 such children from the society for one of its home matches on April 13, 2013 and had even dedicated its IPL victory to the cause -- a record documented in the Limca Book of Records.
