Nurturing tomorrow's champions

Every morning, just after dawn, you’ll find a dedicated group of children on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Hyderabad stretching, jumping and sprinting their way to a better future.

With the support of World Vision child sponsors, children living in the Banjara community are gaining the chance to pursue their sporting dreams.

Currently, 45 children with a passion for sport participate in the program, where they receive specialised coaching and support with shoes, uniforms, equipment and transport to competitions. The children have participated in track and field events at district, state and national levels, already bringing home a swag of medals.   

World Vision is actively encouraging and supporting sports participation in slum communities where many of the most vulnerable children miss out on opportunities like this because of poverty. It’s common for children living in the slums to be working to bring in family income instead of going to school.

“Sports can be a method for promoting a safe and protective environment for children,” says World Vision’s Thabitha Vani.

“It is a good entry-point for the promotion of life skill-based education and healthy lifestyles, including the values of physical fitness, proper nutrition. Sports enhance child development and learning and encourage better academic performance.”