The inspirational speeches delivered by Mumbai Indians team owner Nita Ambani and cricket great Sachin Tendulkar were the event’s high point.
The Mumbai Indians defeated the Delhi Capitals in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on April 7 in Mumbai. The show was enhanced by the attendance of 18,000 children from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) throughout the city. The event commemorated Mumbai Indians’ Education and Sports for All (ESA) Day, and thousands of eager young fans were welcomed to watch the cricket action while promoting the principles of education and sports accessibility for all.
The inspirational speeches delivered by Mumbai Indians team owner Nita Ambani and cricket great Sachin Tendulkar were the event’s high point. Nita Ambani, the driving force behind the ESA program, used the chance to connect with the youngsters in the stands, offering happiness and encouragement.
Nita Ambani expressed her happiness at the children’s participation and stressed the value of sports as a forum for talent from all backgrounds. Reflecting on the young children’s potential, Nita Ambani expressed her hope that they will pursue their aspirations with perseverance.
Nita Ambani commented on the importance of ESA, saying, “The children are bringing so much positivity and joy to the stadium.” Today, 18000 children from various non-governmental organizations are on the stands. I feel that sport is not discriminatory, that talent may come from anyone. Maybe one of these kids will reach the summit of sports, and I hope they take away many cherished memories from this experience, as well as the strength and confidence to believe in their aspirations.”
Nita Ambani discussed the essential lessons that sports provide. She emphasized the ESA initiative’s broad reach, which has impacted the lives of over 22 million children in India, offering chances 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 stated that the game was one that everyone looked forward to the most, with the participants especially appreciating the opportunity to play in front of enthusiastic children. “It’s the favorite game among the players, staff, and coaches. “We are very excited about this day,” she ended.
Sachin Tendulkar, a Mumbai Indians hero, reflected on his own early experiences at the stadium and emphasized the importance of Nita Ambani’s mission in offering life-changing opportunities for youngsters. He applauded the effort for promoting positivism and highlighted his conviction in sports and education’s transformative capacity to shape a better future.
“This is what the athletes want: positivism. That’s what I’ve experienced year after year, and it’s just gotten better. For me, children are the future. If we want a better tomorrow, we must act now. Mrs Ambani’s leadership of the Reliance Foundation has provided opportunity to thousands of youngsters around the world. Tendulkar remarked, “I hope she continues to do that in both education and sports.”
ESA: Mumbai Indians’ ten-year commitment to inclusive education and sports
Education and Sports for All (ESA), founded in 2010, has been crucial to the Mumbai Indians’ objective of developing young talent and fostering inclusivity. The program, spearheaded by the team and sponsored by the Reliance Foundation, seeks to inspire youth from varied circumstances to follow their aspirations.
Reliance Foundation’s sports chapter has positively influenced over 22 million children across India through various educational and sporting programs, guided by the idea of ‘We Care’.
