SPORTS DAY AT PUNE NORTH BRANCH A Step towards Sustainable Human Development Sports and development are related in the forms of physical activity that contribute to physical fitness, mental well being and social interaction. Sport is essential to human development. The basic human capabilities that are necessary for this are to "lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community". Sport can directly help build these capabilities. Play, especially among children, is any physical activity that is fun and participatory. Sport can also be an engine for local economic development and job creation. There are many reasons which clearly show that sport plays vital role in human development. On 9 Oct 2010, Saturday, once again Parinaam and Ujjivan have crossed another milestone together in a journey against Poverty, by organizing a Sport Day for the kids of Ujjivan West customers. It was yet another glaring event, Pune North Branch had with the kids of Ujjivan customers. Though the event was conducted for the 1 / 6
first time in Ujjivan West region and first time for Pune North branch, it was well planned and organized by the organizing committee. All initial preparation for activity was completed before the event started. All volunteers were briefed about the scheduled program and role to be played during the event. The event started on scheduled time at 4:00 pm. All participants were gathered together at one place to give information and instructions about all sports activities, which were supposed to be conducted. The loud energy among the children was unhidden. And the proud feeling of parents towards their child, for participating in a competition, was also well noticed. After the headcount of 128 participants, total four groups were formed depending on Age and Gender criteria. For boys one group was for 5-10 yr old and second group was for 10 15 yr old. Same was applicable for girls. Each group was assigned to a pair of branch CRS (best person to handle a group), to assure that the kids do not leave their group and place. Competition started with 50 mtr Lemon & Spoon race, for kids between 5-10 yr old age. Each race was conducted for the group of 4 boys and 4 girls. Out of 30 boys and 30 girls, 8 boys and 8 girls entered in final round. And in final round 1 winner was selected for each category. The same procedure was followed for kids between 10-15 yr old age. It was so 2 / 6
surprising for all to see all kids completing the race without falling off the lemon from spoon. Next competition was 100 mtr running. This competition was conducted separately for boys and girls. Three rounds were conducted for each group. Out of 6 finalists 1 was selected as winner and 1 was selected as runner-up, from each category. Audience gave the very good cheering to their favorites. distributed chocolates to all participants and their parents. Few of the parents (customers) shared their thoughts. One of the customers (parent) said, I have gone back in my childhood days. I can remember my school days. I am feeling so young by seeing my kids playing. I wish if I can play with them. During the activity, we Another customer said, My kids are better than us. We didn t get such chance or opportunity to play with school children. Being a girl our parents didn t allow us to go out to play. But I don t want my children to say the same when they will grow older. Proceeding further, third activity was Musical Chair competition, arranged especially for our customers. Most of the customers took part in this fun. Each one of the participant had their eyes fixed on empty chair and ears towards music. As soon as the music was stopped 3 / 6
everyone one was struggling to get their chair and to enter in next level. Each round removed two participants. Final round was between two friends. Though the winner was one but the joy was equally enjoyed by both. After completing this activity, all of us were eagerly waiting for Tug-of-War competition. This activity was arranged only for Boys. This game was most enjoyed by the kids. Every winning team was separated in two parts to go for next level. Final round was between 4 participants, two at either side. After a tough competition, team of two boys finally won the war. The energy level of all kids was so high that they could have even spent the whole day and night on the ground. But due to cloudy weather and insufficient light we had to skip two activities, Sac Race and Cricket match and had to move the program towards last session. All of us were feeling little unhappy after realizing the fact that all the kids, participants and customers will be disappeared after completion of this event, as we were moving slowly towards the end session of this event. And we were unable to stop the crowd and time. The last session was planned with two activities Prize Distribution and Meal. All Kids and their Mothers were requested to gather near stage. Each participant and customer was thanked on behalf of Parinaam and Ujjivan for giving their valuable time and participating enthusiastically in the organized event. 4 / 6
Soon after that Prize Distribution was started. Jolly Sir was requested to do the honor. We thank Jolly Sir to give us this opportunity. Very special thanks to Bhalerao Sir for sponsoring ALL the gifts distributed to the winners and runner-ups. Samuel Sir, Bhalerao Sir, Vikram Sir, Shashank Sir, Tushar Sir, Rajesh Sir, Savita Madam has given us the strong support to make this event successful. Loud applause given by the crowd to each winner was a good example to say that no participant or parent was disappointed due failure in the race. All kids participated with a dream of winning. But the failure didn't change thair dream. The message was clear that If not this time; then next time for sure.... We all are sure that one day all of them will be winner in the race against poverty. Finally it was the Meal time. After workout everyone was feeling hungry. Everyone who was part of this event was provided delicious Garma- Garam IDLI & CHATANI, prepared by our own customer. It was another moment which made us more proud to see our customer that she can serving such a huge requirement of 500 nos of Idlis in one go. The taste was really awesome. The event was well planned and organized by the team of volunteers, and equally enjoyed by kids and their family members. We are sure that these moments can never be forgotten. We are sure that this movement initiated by Parinaam Foundation will be an integral part of our social responsibility towards building better lives of our customers and their family. 5 / 6
On this occasion Team Pune North would like to thank Samuel Sir (Parinaam Foundation) in organizing this event in co-ordination with Ujjivan Staff. Volunteers: Mr. Anand Bhalerao (Head, Distribution), Mr. Shashank Tipnis (Regional Admin Manager), Mr. Vikram Shingade (Area Manager), Mr. Prashant Talreja (M. A., Finance), Mr. Ajay Dhopte (Admin), Mr. Tushar Upase (Program Manager), Mr. Rajesh Khedkar (Program Manager), Ms. Savita Khoche (CRM), Mr. Ram (Cashier), Mr. Sukhwinder Singh (CSR), Mr. Manish Warke (CRM), Mr. Dinesh Fulambarkar (Cashier), Mr. Pratik Shinde (Tr. CRM), AND Mrs. Ashwini Gangdhar (Sr. CRS, Pune North), Ms. Kavita Salve (CRS, Pune North) Mrs. Nikita Bhatkar (Sr. CRS, Pune North) Mrs. Prachi Ambre (Sr. CRS, Pune North) Mr. Ramesh Kamble ((Sr. CRS, Pune North) Ms. Sheetal Kadam (Sr. CRS, Pune North) Mrs. Supriya Bhosle (Sr. CRS, Pune North) Mr. Sushil Kumar (Sr. CRS, Pune North) Mr. Vishal Darvatkar (Cashier, Pune North) Mr. Himanshu Mittal (CRM, Pune North) Thanking you all, once again! Himanshu Mittal CRM, Pune North Date: 9 th Oct 2010, Saturday 6 / 6