Sports can change lives, which is beautifully demonstrated by the unique partnership between SUFC (South United Football Club) and Sankara Eye Hospital. They are committed to empowering communities, and their latest initiative focuses on supporting visually impaired children in Bangalore.
This remarkable event, which took place on Friday, 30 August 2024, at SUFC’s Ulsoor ground, aimed at providing these children with an unforgettable football experience and proved that physical limitations should never hinder one’s dreams.
SUFC: A Pioneer in the Bengaluru Footballing Community
Founded in 2012, SUFC is recognized as Bengaluru’s first privately owned professional Football Club. The Club has earned its place among the top Bangalore football clubs, competing in prestigious tournaments.
What sets SUFC apart is its focus and dedication to nurturing local players, especially young athletes, through various community and grassroots initiatives.
SUFC believes in the transformative power of football. From in-school programmes to after-school coaching and competitive academy-level training, SUFC has made it its mission to make football accessible to children from all backgrounds. Their vision is simple yet impactful: to offer a pathway to a professional career in football while providing life skills beyond the game.
Sankara Eye Hospital: A Beacon of Hope for Visually Impaired Children
Sankara Eye Hospital, known for its commitment to providing eye care services to underserved communities across India, extends its work beyond medical treatment. They are passionate about improving the quality of life for the visually impaired. This event with SUFC at Ulsoor highlights their continued efforts to bring joy, confidence, and hope to these children, allowing them to experience the thrill of football.
For the children, it was more than just a football match; it was an opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, and have fun in an environment designed to empower them. Sankara Eye Hospital believes that sports can offer these children a chance to experience inclusion and personal growth, much like sighted individuals do through sports.
The Event: Merging Football and Compassion
On Friday, 30 August 2024, Sankara Eye Hospital and SUFC hosted a one-of-a-kind event for visually impaired students at SUFC’s facility in Ulsoor. The day was filled with fun, laughter, and football training designed specifically for these special kids. While the event allowed them to enjoy the game, it also reminded them of the positive power of sports.
This partnership between SUFC and Sankara Eye Hospital represents a powerful commitment to social responsibility. For SUFC, it was a chance to showcase how football can be inclusive and transformative. For Sankara Eye Hospital, it was an opportunity to highlight the importance of enabling visually impaired children to experience the world around them in new ways.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests:
- Sri. M. N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic)
- Sri. Anil Aldrin, Former Olympian and Indian Hockey Captain
The inauguration began at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 30 August 2024, at South United Football Club, Bengaluru. This event was a part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight 2024, which raises awareness of the importance of eye donation while promoting inclusivity through sports.
For more information about South United Football Club, e-mail info@sufcindia.com or call us on +91 82961 71556.
