Although Mumbai Indians have made a winless start to IPL 2024, they will have added motivation when they take on Delhi Capitals on Sunday. 18,000 children will be cheering for the Blue Army from the stands when MI take the field at Wankhede Stadium.
Since the previous season the five-time champions MI have been the ones to start the tradition of designating a day in the IPL season as ESA Day at their home venue. Although they have long supported the cause, the Mumbai Indians have only recently observed ESA Day.
MI: Putting a smile on faces
The day is a part of the Education and Sports for All (ESA) campaign of the Mumbai Indians and the Reliance Foundation, the CSR arm of RIL. Kids from NGOs throughout the city are invited by MI to attend a live match. They support their favorite cricket players on this particular day.
This year, the Mumbai Indians will welcome more than 18,000 kids from various NGOs around the city. The crowd will include 200 kids with special needs. They will watch and cheer for their favorite cricket players during a live IPL match at the stadium.
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Skipper excited to welcome special crowd
Speaking about the initiative, MI skipper Hardik Pandya said, “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.”
“The story of each and every kid who will we be there at the stadium is inspiring. They have a difficult life. 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 Sharma said.
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