THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Chevrolet introduces a new football pitch in New Delhi

Kaher Kazem, MD & President, GM India with Manchester United legend Quinton Fortune at the Pitch Refurbishment in New Delhi. (PRNewsFoto/Chevrolet)

Chevrolet today dedicated a new football pitch in New Delhi to benefit underprivileged children as part of its ‘Beautiful Possibilities Program’.

“We believe play has the power to change lives and shape communities,” said Kaher Kazem, President and Managing Director GM India. “At Chevrolet, we are using football to make meaningful connections around the world and benefit children who truly need it most.”

Chevrolet partnered with Sudeva Sports Private Limited, a local organization dedicated to improving the future of children in need and helping at-risk youth find opportunities for growth through sports like football and tennis. Sudeva Sports Private Limited will use the new pitch, located at the Baptist Church Trust Association, as a tool to provide children access to football while keeping them away from negative influences by focusing their attention on sports and education.

As part of today’s unveiling, Manchester United legend Quinton Fortune joined Kazem in dedicating the pitch with Sudeva Sports Private Limited’s Co-founder, Anuj Gupta.

“Today’s event is all about children and the opportunities being provided to them. We thank all our partners and friends who have come forward and supported us towards this cause. When we come together to support the growth of children, amazing things will happen,” said Anuj.

In addition to today’s pitch dedication, Chevrolet has made other positive impacts in India through football. In September, the automaker donated One World Futbols to Bal Ashram, a rehabilitation and training center in Rajasthan that is partnered with the Sudeva Football Academy. The Bal Ashram center is using football to benefit children who were victims of child labor.

“With gender equality and empowerment of women, as one of the most important goals of Sudeva, we believe that such an opportunity would definitely lead to more girls playing football in a friendly and organized environment,” further added, Vijay Hakari, Co-Founder of Sudeva Sports Pvt. Ltd.

The donation is part of a larger Chevrolet ‘Day of Play’ initiative that aims to distribute 5000 One World Futbols to underprivileged children across India in 2016. The ultra-durable One World Futbols, which never need a pump and never go flat, are being used in programs that provide education, teach essential life skills and encourage collaboration and community.

Last year, Chevrolet renovated a pitch for non-profit Slum Soccer at the Rebecca Belilious Sports Ground in Kolkata. The pitch has become a safe place for children and the local community to play, as well as a venue for local events and sports matches.

Chevrolet works with local non-profit organizations around the world to revitalize and transform communities to enable children with reliable and safe participation in football. New Delhi is the latest community to benefit from Chevrolet’s Beautiful Possibilities Program, joining others in the UAE, United States, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Africa and Thailand.

(Chevrolet Press Release)