Pro Sport Development celebrates a decade of impactful initiatives and positive change

In a milestone moment that marked a decade of dedication towards transforming lives through sport and physical activity, Pro Sport Development (PSD), celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 17th September 2023. Over the past ten years, the organization has harnessed the power of sport and physical activity to drive positive change, empower communities, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential, with a focus on young people from marginalized backgrounds.

The 10-year anniversary celebration was a reflection of the organization's journey, achievements, and the numerous lives it has touched. The event termed Khel Mela, held at Beena Bharati Vidya Mandir School, Bharatpur, brought together 436 attendees including various stakeholders, such as young people, heads of schools, partner organizations, local government representatives and supporters who have contributed to the organization's success over the years. The event was graced by officials from PSD's esteemed partner organizations over the past 10 years, including Gram Vikas, YCDA, and Odisha FC, among others.

The event was graced by the Deputy Mayor of Bhubaneswar, Manjulata Kanhar, who commended PSD’s efforts in the field of sports, as she shared:

 “PSD is doing really great work in the field of sports. It made me happy to learn about how they help their participants and the youth in communities across Bhubaneswar to be mentally, physically and socially active through sports.”

The celebration witnessed the enthusiastic participation of all attendees in several fun and innovative activities, and games that highlighted the organization's commitment to using sport, physical activity and play for positive outcomes. These fun activities were modeled on traditional melas or fairs that take place across the country, incorporating sport and play in an inclusive manner.

Suheil F. Tandon, the Director-Founder of PSD, threw light on the future vision, drawing inspiration from the impactful achievements of the past decade, as he expressed:

"Over the past 10 years, PSD has had the privilege to work with over 12,000 young people from marginalized backgrounds across India, especially in Odisha, enabling them to become confident and competent leaders through purposefully designed sports-based programs. Our vision moving forward is to ensure that we provide all young people, irrespective of their socio-economic background, access to sports and experiential learning to enable better futures."

Furthermore, various speakers, including PSD participants, peer leaders and staff alumni, offered insights into the significance of sport and physical activity in effecting positive change and shaping the trajectory of their lives and communities.They shared moving personal narratives, underscoring the organization's profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

Ayushman Mohanty, Class 7 student of Rama Krishna Siksha Kendra School in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and also a participant of PSD's Community Sports Program, said:

“This is the first time that I played such innovative and fun games. I really enjoyed playing with students from different schools.”

Peer leader Sasmita Das, recipient of PSD’s two-year scholarship program, stated her thoughts on the event:

“It was an enriching experience for me to be a part of the event management team. Listening to our coaches and ex-alumni members share their experiences of working in PSD motivated me and affirmed my belief that this is the career path that I want to follow.”

The 10-year anniversary celebration of the organization encapsulated the profound impact that sport can have on society. The organization expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have been part of the movement to empower individuals and communities through sport. The celebration not only reminisced about the past but also outlined the organization's vision for the next decade, reaffirming its commitment to harnessing the power of sport and physical activity for sustainable development.

In a milestone moment that marked a decade of dedication towards transforming lives through sport and physical activity, Pro Sport Development (PSD), celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 17th September 2023. Over the past ten years, the organization has harnessed the power of sport and physical activity to drive positive change, empower communities, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential, with a focus on young people from marginalized backgrounds.

The 10-year anniversary celebration was a reflection of the organization's journey, achievements, and the numerous lives it has touched. The event termed Khel Mela, held at Beena Bharati Vidya Mandir School, Bharatpur, brought together 436 attendees including various stakeholders, such as young people, heads of schools, partner organizations, local government representatives and supporters who have contributed to the organization's success over the years. The event was graced by officials from PSD's esteemed partner organizations over the past 10 years, including Gram Vikas, YCDA, and Odisha FC, among others.

The event was graced by the Deputy Mayor of Bhubaneswar, Manjulata Kanhar, who commended PSD’s efforts in the field of sports, as she shared:

 “PSD is doing really great work in the field of sports. It made me happy to learn about how they help their participants and the youth in communities across Bhubaneswar to be mentally, physically and socially active through sports.”

The celebration witnessed the enthusiastic participation of all attendees in several fun and innovative activities, and games that highlighted the organization's commitment to using sport, physical activity and play for positive outcomes. These fun activities were modeled on traditional melas or fairs that take place across the country, incorporating sport and play in an inclusive manner.

Suheil F. Tandon, the Director-Founder of PSD, threw light on the future vision, drawing inspiration from the impactful achievements of the past decade, as he expressed:

"Over the past 10 years, PSD has had the privilege to work with over 12,000 young people from marginalized backgrounds across India, especially in Odisha, enabling them to become confident and competent leaders through purposefully designed sports-based programs. Our vision moving forward is to ensure that we provide all young people, irrespective of their socio-economic background, access to sports and experiential learning to enable better futures."

Furthermore, various speakers, including PSD participants, peer leaders and staff alumni, offered insights into the significance of sport and physical activity in effecting positive change and shaping the trajectory of their lives and communities.They shared moving personal narratives, underscoring the organization's profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

Ayushman Mohanty, Class 7 student of Rama Krishna Siksha Kendra School in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and also a participant of PSD's Community Sports Program, said:

“This is the first time that I played such innovative and fun games. I really enjoyed playing with students from different schools.”

Peer leader Sasmita Das, recipient of PSD’s two-year scholarship program, stated her thoughts on the event:

“It was an enriching experience for me to be a part of the event management team. Listening to our coaches and ex-alumni members share their experiences of working in PSD motivated me and affirmed my belief that this is the career path that I want to follow.”

The 10-year anniversary celebration of the organization encapsulated the profound impact that sport can have on society. The organization expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have been part of the movement to empower individuals and communities through sport. The celebration not only reminisced about the past but also outlined the organization's vision for the next decade, reaffirming its commitment to harnessing the power of sport and physical activity for sustainable development.