Chennai: It was a chaotic Sunday evening. It was joyous all the same. The occasion was the culmination of a two-day football tournament organised by Slum Children Sports Talent and Education Development Society (SC-Steds) at Vysarpadi. Nearly 200 players including a handful of girls had a chance to do they always enjoy doing: kicking a ball around. The corporation ground at Mullai Nagar throbbed with the noise of excited football players.
Competitions in four categories — U-12, U-15, open and girls — served as a platform for Steds players to prove their competitive mettle. Prizes were aplenty. No one went home empty handed. Winners got football shoes and every one got a jersey and shorts. The occasion turned out to be memorable to all.
Amaranta Entertainment made everyone’s day at the small ground in the underbelly of Chennai. The music company took care of A to Z. Geoffrey G. Thomas of Amaranta was a contented man. “I’m happy to be associated with this event. It’s wonderful to see the enthusiastic participation of kids,” he said.
Steds, who use football as an agent for social change in the working class community of Vysarpadi, do have a first division team in the Chennai Football Association league. Geoffrey pledged his company’s support for Steds in the ensuing first division, which has become more competitive this season.
The Amaranta boss also expressed his company’s readiness to take care of the fitness regimen of a select few from Steds.
The Steds trio of N. Thangaraj, N. Umapathy and C. Suresh were grateful to Geoffrey for his whole-hearted support. Umapathy said Steds had never received such generous help from anyone. “We would always struggle for finances whenever we conduct a tournament. This time we didn’t have any financial worry thanks to the incredible support of Mr Geoffrey. We can’t thank him and his company enough. Our players would strive hard to justify the faith he has reposed in us,” he added.
Thangaraj was overwhelmed with joy.
“Mr Geoffrey exceeded our expectations by many notches. He wanted to do more than what we had requested him. From top-class balls to quality bibs, he encouraged us to go for the best. Only a true sports lover can be so kind. I can’t describe in words how much Amaranta’s backing means to us,” he added.
Amaranta has also been sponsoring an athlete, chess players and women cricketers.
