In this month’s story of #WATWB WE ARE THE WORLD BLOGFEST I am sharing the story of a young girl who is pursuing her dream against the odds. Her dedications brought people to her to the aid.
A determined 16-year-old footballer Mary Naidu, who despite having no permanent home, sports gear or ground to practice on, dreams to someday play for the country. She has been a part of the Mission 11 Million programme is a football initiative aimed towards taking the game to 12,000 schools in 37 cities across the country in search of the most talented children.
Mary said, “I was selected for the Mission 11 Million programme, through which I reached Delhi and had the honour of meeting our prime minister. He shook my hand and presented me with a football. I just love playing football. I am in Std X and next year I will choose a college which has a girl’s football team. I have been practicing football every single day without fail for at least two hours. This is far less time that I should be giving to it as I have my board exams coming up.”
She now has help and assistance to be the star player she wants to be. A number of people, including former MP Priya Dutt, with her NGO Nargis Dutt Foundation has supported her.
Doesn’t reading a wonderful story like this one just brighten your day? Share some more such tales with us. Join #WATWB each month.
Your co-hosts for this month are: Shilpa Garg, Inderpreet Uppal, Sylvia Stein, Susan Scott, Andrea Michaels and Damyanti Biswas. Please link to them in your WATWB posts and go say hi!
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Comments
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It is wonderful that there are programs like this and that Mary is in one! Thank you for sharing it with us, Indy!
Author
My pleasure Emily. More power to Mary!
I’m adding my hopes and prayers for Mary Naidu’s continuing success. Thank you for sharing about her!
Author
Thanks, JoAnna. I am praying for her success as well.
What is an inspiring story. How wonderful to see others giving someone a chance to follow their dreams. Thanks for sharing.
Author
I agree. I hope she succeeds. Thanks, Norah.
Mary could kick the greatest goal of her life by following her dream to play football (soccer). I hope that she succeeds in both that and in her school too.
Author
Yes,I wish her success as well. Thanks, Simon
wow so inspiring!! glad to see girls like Mary are getting an opportunity to fulfil their dreams. What a wonderful initiative 🙂
Author
Yes, it is like a miracle. I am glad she is finding support and hope her dreams are fulfilled. Thanks for visiting Rajalakshmi.
I am always in awe of people who can rise above the humdrum existence to achieve their dreams. It needs a huge amount of courage and conviction. Glad you shared this story.
Author
I agree, the girl’s dedication is commendable. Thank you for visiting.
I wish our country did more for sportsman and women. I wish things were better but then I guess I should thank God they are atleast not worse than it is now!
Author
Yes, Nabanita I am glad something is being done. So much more is possible.
Thanks for your visit.
Good people. I hope Mary becomes a star someday. Thank you for sharing her story.
Author
Yes, Peter. I hope so too. She deserves her dream to come true. Thanks for visiting.
In India, sports does not get the support it deserves. Good to see that the Mary has found good people to stand beside her.
It is rather sad that sporting talent lies untapped and sporting dreams remain unfulfilled in a country like ours where education=employability = escape from poverty is the only formula parents insist their children follow. Thanks for sharing this story which celebrates a different ending.
Author
Yes, it is a bright spot in the murky waters of earning and education. Hope Mary’s dreams are fulfilled.
Thank you for visiting.