The Mumbai Indians secured a convincing victory against the Delhi Capitals in a unique match attended by 18,000 children from various NGOs across Mumbai. The event was part of the Education and Sports for All (ESA) initiative, a cause close to the heart of the Mumbai Indians’ ecosystem.
Nita M Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians and Sachin Tendulkar, the team’s icon, shared their thoughts on what makes the ESA day so special. Ambani, who spent time with the children in the stands, expressed her belief in the transformative power of sports. “The children are bringing so much positivity and joy to the stadium. I believe that sport does not discriminate and talent can come from anywhere. Maybe one of these kids will reach the pinnacle of sport,” she said.
Tendulkar reminisced about his first visit to the stadium and praised Ambani’s vision of providing children with life-changing experiences. “This is what the players long for: positivity. For me, children are the future. If we want a better tomorrow, we need to act today. The Reliance Foundation, under Ambani’s guidance, has given opportunities to so many children across the globe,” he said.
Nita Ambani in the stands with the kids:
Ambani also highlighted the various life lessons that children can learn from sports, which can aid in their growth and development. “We started ESA 14 years ago and it has reached out to 22 million children across India. 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 discipline, hard work and how to take wins and losses in their stride,” she said.
The game was eagerly anticipated by everyone involved, with Ambani stating, “It’s the favourite game of the players, the staff and the coaches. We look forward to this day with a lot of enthusiasm.”
The ESA initiative, proudly represented on the sleeves of all Mumbai Indians’ teams, seeks to make educational opportunities and sports experiences accessible to children from all backgrounds. Since its inception in 2010, ESA has remained at the core of Mumbai Indians’ commitment to entertaining and inspiring young minds, providing life-changing opportunities to thousands of children.
Guided by its overarching ‘We Care’ philosophy, the Reliance Foundation carries out various activities in the education and sports arena through ESA. The foundation’s sports chapter has impacted the lives of over 22 million children across India.
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