Chennai: Can an individual do more to sports than an institution? Yes. Geoffrey G. Thomas is proof. The passionate sports fan has been supporting the careers of a few youngsters in Chennai without expecting anything in return.
His magnanimity can even put a big corporate house in the shade. Even though Geoffrey is running a music company, the sports buff in him is always awake.
Geoffrey has been helping chess siblings R. Vaishali and R. Praggnanandhaa, athlete Rochelle Macfarlane and Steds football academy at Vysarpadi financially in addition to a couple of women cricketers.
He pays for their training and travelling to the best of his ability. Before starting his music company, Amaranta Entertainment, two years ago Geoffrey spent a considerable time in the FM radio industry.
“After coming out of radio, I thought doing something for music and sports would make sense because I’m passionate about both. Promoting talent in the two universal fields had always been on the back of my mind,” he said.
Geoffrey, an able badminton player in his college days, said he inherited his love for sports from his father. “My dad would always ask me to go out and play when I was in school. He also followed a variety of sports with an interest bordering on obsession. In a sense, sports has been an inseparable part of me since my childhood,” the chip off the old block added.
The Samaritan doesn’t want his generosity to be labelled as social service. “I’m doing whatever I can only as a sports lover. The satisfaction I get from helping deserving youngsters to achieve their goals is unmatchable.
The main attribute I look for, other than talent, is fire in the belly,” he said.
Geoffrey’s deep understanding of different games stands him in good stead while identifying talent. “I want to extend support as long as possible because I know even great champions need time to establish themselves. I will ensure sponsorship for at least three years,” he said.
Praggnanandhaa did Geoffrey proud by winning the world U-8 chess title in the UAE recently. The Velammal student created a record for an Indian by winning every game in the 11-round championship. Geoffrey was thrilled with the efforts of the chess prodigy.
Praggnanandhaa’s father A. Ramesh Babu was grateful to the support of Geoffrey because it was the first time his children got sponsorship. “I was worried about supporting the careers of my children because chess is expensive these days. Earlier, I was coughing up money only for Vaishali.
Nowadays, I’m also sending Prag for many outstation tournaments. Mr Geoffrey’s help is timely. His sponsorship means I can send my children for more outstation tournaments,” he added.
Rochelle, too, has been winning medals at state, national and international meets consistently. Geoffrey has made arrangements for her long-term training at a top gym in the city.
Geoffrey provided cheer to the trainees of Steds by conducting a football tournament for them at Mullai Nagar corporation ground, Vysarpadi, on Saturday and Sunday.
He ensured that every member of Steds went home with a quality jersey. Winners of the tournament received attractive prizes.
