Sports play an integral part in a child’s overall development. Although it’s part of the curriculum for a lot kids, there is a section for whom it is still a dream. So, taking a step in this direction, Pepe Jeans is supporting underprivileged kids through their initiative ‘football for all’.
Kavindra Mishra, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Pepe Jeans India Limited says, “Pepe Jeans is synonymous with a youthful and spirited attitude, and sports is perhaps the truest form of this expression. We are proud to take our collaboration with HT GIFA one step further with Football for All. Through this collaboration, we were able to provide a unique platform to these talented kids.”
They also launched a 15-day campaign with HT GIFA, under which Hindustan Times readers were encouraged to nominate underprivileged children. Chand, a class 7 student from Vikas Puri who plays football at My Angels Academy, was nominated by Roopali Sharma for the match.
Sharma, a resident of East of Kailash, says, “I have been reading HT since childhood. It’s a great event and everything is so very well organised. I have nominated Chand, whom I know through some acquaintances. We need to encourage and motivate these kids so they get a platform and rise high. Events like these are very important as they don’t get a chance otherwise. I wish him all the best.”
Chand received the nomination with great enthusiasm as he knows it will help him hone his skills further. He idolises footballer Christiano Ronaldo and wishes to play for India someday. He says, “Mere ko pehle se football aata hai aur ab mere ko aur ache se sikhayenge. Seekh kar main apne India ki taraf se kheloonga.”
{{/usCountry}}Chand received the nomination with great enthusiasm as he knows it will help him hone his skills further. He idolises footballer Christiano Ronaldo and wishes to play for India someday. He says, “Mere ko pehle se football aata hai aur ab mere ko aur ache se sikhayenge. Seekh kar main apne India ki taraf se kheloonga.”
{{/usCountry}}Football is often considered a boys’ sport, but at this match, girls were playing with gusto. They are given training with the boys at the academy and play as one team.
Farzana, a player from the academy, says, “Humein shuru mein ghar se baahar nikalna allowed nahi tha, lekin aaj academy ki vajah se hum football khelte hain. Hum ek slum mein rehte hain aur vahaan khelne ki koi jagah nahi hai. Isliye hum subah 3.30 uth ke ground mein khelne jaate hain.”
A spokesperson from My Angels Academy says, “We thank HT GIFA for giving this opportunity. It will help empower the kids and is a start to ending their plight.”