Courting dreams

November 27 was a day of fun and frolic for nearly 240 underprivileged students as they spent their Saturday at the Sanas Sports Ground,near Saras Baug. Khel Khel Mein,a sports day organised by Concern India Foundation,was,for these children between the age of eight and 14 years,a chance to make new friends.

The atmosphere at the ground-level was electric with excitement and the giggling and squealing of the children. Sitting in different groups – some of these kids were at the tracks,some lined up for long jumps and some more waited their turn at shot-put. In its second year,Khel Khel Mein saw 12 NGOs participating. Each NGO sent in a team of 20 children who were divided into three groups – under 10,under 12 and under 14. Each category had a different colour of ribbon pinned to the t-shirts.

Donning sponsored tees,caps and running shoes,the kids were visibly ecstatic.

Some tookoff their shoes as they ran down the tracks,more comfortable in their bare feet slipped in socks. “I’m having a lot of fun,” said Mona,a 10-year-old,grinning from ear-to-ear. “I have made many new friends today,” she added.

The stands were filled with the teams,each with a volunteer taking charge. Music blared loudly as the activities carried on,only to be drowned by the loud cheering of the children as the runners approached the finishing line. Some even broke into a dance mid-stride as they crossed the tracks,oblivious of the opponents,two metres away from them. Meanwhile,the grassy patch in the centre had a number of girls paired up as they wrapped their palms around the other’s wrist and rotated,with their skirts swishing and hair flying in the air,almost in sync with the music.

“It’s a great opportunity for the children. Sports is routine for school kids,but not them. They are really excited!” said Kanal Nathani,head – resource mobilisation,Concern India Foundation. With determination etched on their faces,the children put in their heart and soul in ever activity they participated in.

As the kids lined up for their respective activities,the volunteers animatedly explained how they had to do it. There were students from a city school,who bartered a day in class to help the organisers with their endeavour. Karan Nathani,a class XI student,said,“It is a different experience for us,but we are enjoying it. Not to mention it was a good workout managing the children and the activities.”