Bhubaneswar: Debasmita Marandi who resides in Maitri Vihar slum here is elated. For the first time, she has got a chance to take part in a sports event.
The 17-year-old girl, who loves playing football, is taking part in a tournament organised for underprivileged. A total of 800 young boys and girls from 140 slums in and around Bhubaneswar are taking part in the tournament that started on Thursday.
"I have always been interested in the game but had never found a platform to showcase my talent, as girls who play the game are not encouraged much. I am hopeful that this event will mark the beginning of my career," Debasmita said.
A city-based organisation Humara Bachpan that campaigns on the theme Khelne Kaa Adhikar is organising the event in collaboration with Ardor Football Academy. The event Ama Khela, Ama Bikas - Spotting The Future Soccer Stars -is being hosted at Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (deemed to University) grounds.
"Children from urban poor communities face multiple problems. Coming from humble backgrounds and low-income families, they do not get good education due to which they lack skills which makes it difficult for them to find employment. As a result of which they are exposed to various criminal activities posing a threat to their health and well-being," said Sradha Sahoo, one of the organisers.
The event, which is being organised in the junior and sub-junior boys and girls categories, will end with a closing and felicitation ceremony on Saturday. "We are striving to use football as tool for child development to improve their physical, psychological and social well-being. We want to encourage children through sports and provide them platforms to play at various national and international tournaments," Sahoo said.
The programme is also aiming to make communities and governments sensible and responsible towards amusement needs of children and for the creation, maintenance and sustainability of open spaces to address the needs of children," Sahoo further said.
Biswajit Moharana, who is residing in the OUAT farm gate slum, feels there is a need to understand the needs of children by the government and other stakeholders.
"There is lack of open spaces in our locality. Moreover, most of us do not attend schools so we rarely get a chance to engage in outdoor activities. There is need for the creation, maintenance and sustainability of open spaces," Biswajit said.
