A Comprehensive Grassroots Sports Initiative
STAIRS moves a step forward with the launch of One India One Goal to harness sports talent at the grassroots levcel
NEW DELHI, Apr 18 (The CONNECT) -The Society for Transformation, Inclusion, and Recognition through Sports (STAIRS) is strengthening India’s Road to the Olympics with the launch of its latest initiative – the ‘One India One Goal’ programme for grassroots sports development in the country.
The multi-year synchronised programme aims to create a participatory sports development model directly aimed at increasing the number of stakeholders, from participants to policymakers.
The programme received significant support from Pratima Bhoumik, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment. Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth extended his support to the programme. More than 3000 Gold and Silver medalists and 250 coaches of Stairs programmes from over 200 districts and 11 states of India come together to celebrate the initiative.
The ‘One India One Goal’ programme is based on three pillars –‘Play to Play’, ‘Play to Win’, and ‘Play to Earn’ – covering the complete lifecycle of a player.
The ‘Play to Win’ is the mid-to-the-base of the funnel covering scouting players through championships and ‘Play to Earn’ is the base of the funnel covering training, growth and livelihood. The model ensures that selection begins from the largest talent pool available. As a part of the program, STAIRS also plans to open youth clubs and promote training academies where children will be encouraged to participate in productive outdoor activities and Lifeskills training.
Siddhartha Upadhyay, President STAIRS Foundation and former Governing council member – Sports Authority of India, said for the first time since independence, there is the necessary political will under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inspirational leadership to actualise India’s immensely yet unharnessed sporting talent, potential, and genius. Pratima Bhoumik said, Initiatives like ‘One India One Goal’ serve as a platform that will give the deprived children the opportunity, confidence, and direction to make an identity for themselves. It will also create an ecosystem where people unite to address the issue further, she said.
