Viren on left played for India at the Asian Games, World Cup and Olympics
THANK YOU VIREN, OGQ, GoSports FOR THE GRAND GESTURE
22/06/2020
Former hockey captain and Arjuna Award winner Viren Rasquinha did something in the last week details of which will gladden everybody. He felt that Hockey had given him so much in life but was deeply saddened to see the severe impact of #COVID19 on hockey at the grassroots level. This thought process progressed till he came out with an idea to put his thoughts into action.
He championed a cause called #LetsStickTogether which is a joint initiative of OGQ and GoSports Foundation to raise Rs.20 lakhs by 15th July to help 200 grassroots players/coaches/groundsmen, struggling to earn a living.
Spade work, planning and execution of the #LetsStickTogether must have been so perfect that he could exceed the target within a week. And, almost all the 200 players were paid each Rs.10,000 too.
There is a reason why we in ONE THOUSAND HOCKEY LEGS dwell on this initiative.
Viren had been excellent at studies and graduate from prestigious ISB
Viren has been following our activities, always appreciative of our objective and field level practices. He has been our member under I SUPPORT OTHL scheme since three years. We are always proud to have such former player and vibrant executive with a top notch NGO in our support base.
He thought of OTHL at this juncture and wished to help our boys. OTHL was thrilled at this prospects.
Viren extended assistance to our OTHL boys. FIFTY othl boys, who are really in trouble due to COVID-19, lockdown and related issues, have already received Rs.10,000 each.
This work out to Rs. 5 lacs.
As we all know, we cater to kids who come from lowest strata of society and face difficulties and hurdles in each aspect of their lives.
The COVID - 19 has further stressed their lives. We were able to provide our kids some assisstance since April 3rd week. We have nearly paid 110 boys Rs.2000 each to tide over the crisis.
However, there were boys who had to migrate to distance places for time being. Some of our boys have moved to their villages in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarkhand etc.
Some are on the move to migrate, as condition in the Delhi region is worsening.
Therefore, OTHL gave the following priority while identifying the beneficiaries under the Vien's initiative.
1. Boys who already migrated and wanting to comeback once the normalcy returns.
2. The boys who are on the verge of moving out but were looking for resources to undertake journey.
3. Thirdly, many boys' families have moved out but boys have stayed put to complete their studies especially exams.
4. Fourthly, boys who don't have either father or mother and were dependent on relatives to stay in Delhi even in normal times.
5. Mothers, sisters and fathers who have already contacted us for loan, assistance etc.
Viren is Director, OGQ, which spots and nurtures young athletes
Therefore, OTHL gave the following priority while identifying the beneficiaries under the Vien's initiative.
1. Boys who already migrated and wanting to comeback once the normalcy returns.
2. The boys who are on the verge of moving out but were looking for resources to undertake journey.
3. Thirdly, many boys' families have moved out but boys have stayed put to complete their studies especially exams.
4. Fourthly, boys who don't have either father or mother and were dependent on relatives to stay in Delhi even in normal times.
5. Mothers, sisters and fathers who have already contacted us for loan, assistance etc.
Being a top notch player, and then a top executive, Viren for long epitomized for how sports and education can go hand in hand. OTHL has been emphasizing this aspect in each of its activity. Therefore, it is in the fitness of things that such a highy qualified hockey player set an example, and extended timely help to 200 hockey players.
We are proud to be his beneficiary.
THANK YOU VIREN RASQUINHA