Sports to Combat Addiction- 'Sports for Change'

Over the past six months, the Sports for Change initiative has continued its mission of creating safe and empowering spaces where children and young people can grow through sports and stay away from the dangers of substance abuse. While financial support through the GlobalGiving platform was modest—amounting to just 64 cents during this reporting period—we remained committed to our beneficiaries and continued all planned activities with determination and hope.

Every week, children and youth gathered at our project locations for regular sports training sessions conducted twice a week. These sessions were much more than opportunities to play. They became spaces where young people developed physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, leadership skills, and self-confidence. Alongside sports training, weekly awareness classes were organized to address important topics such as health, personal development, values, social responsibility, and life skills. Together, these activities contributed to the holistic development of participants and strengthened their resilience against negative influences, including drug abuse.

During this six-month period, the project directly reached 2,379 children and young people. Among them were 310 girls, reflecting our continued commitment to promoting gender inclusion and creating equal opportunities in sports. We were also encouraged by the active participation of 17 differently abled children and youth, reaffirming our belief that sports should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

One of the highlights of the reporting period was the successful organization of several major sporting events. A two-day Annual Mega Tournament was held at Mannuthy, bringing together participants from different communities and project locations. The event not only showcased sporting talent but also fostered friendship, unity, and healthy competition among young people.

Recognizing the importance of constructive engagement during school holidays, we organized Summer Camps at the Kattappana, Chullikara, and Mannuthy Sports Hubs. These camps combined sports activities, recreational programs, and life-skills education, ensuring that children enjoyed a meaningful and enriching vacation while continuing to learn and grow.

Community-based sporting initiatives also continued to flourish. At Chullikara, the Tribal Soccer League and the Women's Soccer League provided valuable opportunities for tribal youth and women to participate in organized sports, showcase their talents, strengthen community bonds, and build self-confidence. Seeing these participants take pride in their achievements remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the project.

A particularly exciting milestone during this reporting period was the establishment of a partnership with Kerala Blasters FC in April. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening the quality and reach of the Sports for Change initiative. Through this partnership, young participants will gain greater exposure, access to technical expertise, enhanced talent development opportunities, and clearer pathways for pursuing their sporting aspirations.

We remain deeply grateful to everyone who believes in this mission. Your encouragement and support help us continue building a future where more young people can confidently say "No to Drugs, Yes to Sports."