Mumbai Indians, in partnership with Reliance Industries Limited’s CSR arm, Reliance Foundation, is gearing up to host their annual ESA game this Sunday, April 7th, at the Wankhede Stadium. Championed by Nita M. Ambani’s vision, ESA Day which has become a cherished tradition for the team, aims to celebrate inclusion, inspire young minds, and promote the values of education and sports among children from humble backgrounds. This year, Mumbai Indians will open its doors to over 18,000 children, including 200 children with special needs, hailing from diverse NGOs from across the city to watch and cheer for their favorite cricketers in a live IPL match at the stadium.
As part of its tradition, Mumbai Indians in partnership with Reliance Foundation every year host one IPL game in their schedule as an ESA game. As Mumbai Indians take on Delhi Capitals in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League this Sunday, the stands will come alive with the energy and enthusiasm of thousands of young fans, donning their ESA t-shirts.
These children, accompanied by 2000 volunteers and a fleet of 500 BEST buses, will be treated to a day filled with excitement, joy, and cricketing action. They will have the opportunity to witness their cricketing heroes in action, soak in the electric atmosphere of the stadium, and create lasting memories that will inspire them for years to come.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya said the atmosphere and love from the kids at ESA games make it truly special for the players.
“It’s always exciting to see 18,000 kids coming to the ground and cheering for us and Mumbai Indians. We’ll be looking to make their day, hopefully with a win. I feel very privileged to be a part of these games and influence their life in a small way,” Hardik said.
Rohit Sharma hoped to put a smile on the children’s faces, saying that the annual event was one that all Mumbai Indians cricketers looked forward to.
“The story of each and every kid who will we be there at the stadium is inspiring. They have a difficult life. Really impressed with the work being put in by Reliance Foundation and Mrs Ambani for giving the children what they need. I have been fortunate enough to hear some of these kids’ stories in the past and I know exactly what they have been through. Coming to the stadium and watching the game can bring a lot of smiles on their faces. It is our duty and responsibility that they go back home with happiness on their face,” Rohit added.
The amalgamation of Education and Sports, ESA (Education and Sports for All), that MI proudly wears on the sleeves of all their teams, seeks to make educational opportunities and sports experiences accessible to children from all backgrounds that inspires them in their dreams. Since its inception in 2010, ESA has remained at the core of Mumbai Indians’ commitment to entertaining and inspiring young minds, providing life-changing opportunities to thousands of children.
Guided by its overarching ‘We Care’ philosophy, through the year, Reliance Foundation, through ESA carries out various activities in the education and sports arena. Reliance Foundation’s sports chapter has impacted the lives of over 22M children across India.
The ESA supported NGOs from across the city, that will be experiencing the match on April 7th are: Aarambh, Angel Xpress, Aseema, CRY, Door Step School, Humana People to People India, Jai Vakeel Foundation, Meljol, Mumbai Mobile Crèches, OSCAR Foundation, Pragati Holistic Development Trust, Pratham, Robinhood Army, Shishu Vikas School, Spark A Change, Tarun Mitra Mandal, Teach for India, Ummeed, Vacha, 321 Foundation.