Will extend support to the team from Magician Foundation India during the All India and South Asia Rugby – National Division 1 Tournament 2017
In more than a decade of delivering seamless and cutting-edge travel solutions in India and abroad, Cleartrip, the leading online travel and leisure activities organisation, has also distinguished itself as a socially conscious organisation. As a part of its most recent CSR initiative, Cleartrip has collaborated with the Magician Foundation India, an NGO that works with children and youth using Rugby to empower children from marginalized backgrounds (particularly from slums of Mumbai) besides nurturing rugby as a sport in India.
The foundation’s efforts prevent children from getting into anti-social habits by imparting life skills and nurturing them to become contributing members of the society. Today with five years of efforts, these talented individuals from the slums have blossomed to a stage of contributing to building our nation and have qualified for a national rugby tournament.
Under the association, Cleartrip is supporting the team that has qualified for the All India and South Asia Rugby – National Division 1 Tournament 2017, being held in Kolkata from 7th to 14th October.
Proud about team’s qualification, Vijay Dange, Founder, MFI said, “The idea behind MFI originated way back in 2004, when a few likeminded young volunteers started teaching rugby to other children from their communities. Today, we have a dedicated Rugby Program under which we teach rugby to young girls and boys living in slums in various neighbourhoods of Mumbai. Our boys’ and girls’ teams have participated in several rugby tournaments in the country, while some of our older team members have gone on to play in tournaments held abroad as well. Qualifying for the National tournament is a proud moment for us and gives the team an opportunity to compete with the likes of Maharashtra State Police, CRPF, and Bombay Gymkhana. We are glad to partner with Cleartrip for this opportunity and will continue with our goal of turning Mumbai slums into a field of opportunity and a space for social change for various communities.”
Speaking on the initiative, Prasad Menon, Chief People Officer, Cleartrip said, “We believe that small things can have a big impact. MFI has brought education, hope, and opportunity into the lives of so many underprivileged children. As MFI has proved through its efforts, sports present a massive opportunity for young Indians to achieve professional and financial success. It empowers and connects, and has the power to uplift less-privileged communities. We are proud to associate with such an organisation.”